Hodgson holds concern over young Lions
ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that the amount of playing time given to his developing, young players remains an ongoing significant concern despite being pleased about the options at his disposal.
For tonight’s World Cup qualifier away to Poland, the England manager is set to make several changes to the team that on Friday defeated San Marino 5-0 at Wembley where his unexpected inclination to select the country’s younger players continued. James Milner, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott are set for recalls but Hodgson regardless said that he is continuing to monitor the others who can compete.
“It is nice to know we are producing some players now who will challenge, will continue to improve, will mature with time and the matches they can play,” Hodgson said. “My only fear is hoping these talents can get enough game time.”
Since his May appointment, Hodgson has given international debuts to talents like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Butland, Ryan Bertrand and Jonjo Shelvey and called up Kieran Gibbs and Raheem Sterling, and has spoken of his willingness to continue to include younger, less-established individuals.
POLAND: THE FACTS
Poland are ranked 54th in the world after their first-round exit at Euro 2012 and a win and a draw in Group H of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers
Since Euro 2012, they have won both home fixtures: 2-0 vs Moldova, and 1-0 vs South Africa
Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski, who last season scored 30 goals, and Lukasz Piszczek are key.