Hodgson believes players should be grateful for England call-up
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Roy Hodgson believes the pull of being selected for England is still one that players should value and be grateful for.
Ahead of the Three Lions’ friendly with Sweden in Stockholm on Wednesday, Hodgson has had to contend with several squad regulars pulling out through injury while three of their replacements, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha and Carl Jenkinson are all eligible to play for other international sides in Jamaica, the Ivory Coast and Finland respectively.
Indeed, Crystal Palace starlet Zaha has even been quoted voicing his indecision over where his long-term international future lies as he will still be able to switch to play competitively for the African country even if he does play in Wednesday’s non-competitive clash with Sweden.
However, according to the Guardian, Hodgson has no qualms about his young players’ commitment to the England cause.
“It is very simple for me,” he said. “To be asked to play for England is a major honour and a major feather in people’s caps.”
“I am not interested in people who are deciding whether England is where they want to be or whether they want to be somewhere else. I have spoken to Sterling and Zaha. Both have assured me that they have started with England and that's where they want to end up.”
Hodgson is set to hand Sterling, Steven Caulker and Leon Osman full England debuts for the clash in Sweden, with Danny Welbeck leading the attack.
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