Wayne Rooney 'excited' by England competition for Euro 2016 spot after rise of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy

England captain Wayne Rooney has welcomed competition for a starting spot at Euro 2016, saying the form of fellow forwards Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane 'excites him."

Rooney, 30, has been out of action for United since February 13 after damaging knee ligaments in a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland, and has missed March's international friendlies against Germany and Netherlands.

Tottenham striker Kane and Leicester forward Vardy both scored during England's 3-2 comeback win against Germany last weekend, while there is plenty of competition for squad places with Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck also returning to form and fitness for Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.

Despite suggestions that Rooney's England starting role - and even a place in the squad itself - is no longer guaranteed for Euro 2016, the Three Lions skipper is confident of challenging once he regains his fitness.

Rooney told ITV Sport before the Netherlands game: "Throughout my career I've never taken my place for granted.

"Obviously you want to play, it's great that that competition is there.

"We haven't always had it and it's good for me. It excites me.

"First of all, I want England to be successful and win trophies. We can do really well in the summer.

"The decision's down to Roy Hodgson but I want to be there and hopefully lead this team to be successful."

Kane was among the substitutes along with Arsenal duo Welbeck and Theo Walcott for Tuesday's international friendly at Wembley, while West Ham forward Andy Carroll did not make Hodgson's squad.