England manager Roy Hodgson has thrown down the gauntlet to the Premier League’s leading lights after admitting his plans for the 23-man squad heading to this summer’s World Cup are far from set in stone.
The former Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion boss, who succeeded Fabio Capello in the Three Lions hotseat almost two years ago, revealed that he discusses the form of English players with backroom staff Ray Lewington and Gary Neville every weekend.
Hodgson says his mind can be changed between now and the end of the season by players hoping to force their way into his plans.
While the manager won’t discuss individuals and their chance of making the final squad, his words on the Footballers’ Football Show on Sky Sports 1 will offer fresh hope to the likes of Sunderland winger Adam Johnson and Southampton defender Luke Shaw. Both men have not given up on participating in the tournament in Brazil and have impressed for their respective clubs this term, with Johnson picking up the Premier League Player of the Month award for January.
Hodgson said: “We discuss the form of English players every weekend and the make-up of the 23-man squad can change in our minds, and be influenced by how well players are performing. ”
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