England boss Roy Hodgson will give young players more opportunities to prove their worth during the remaining friendlies after World Cup qualification was sealed on Tuesday at Wembley, writes the BBC.
England beat Poland 2-0 in their final game of Group H to secure a place in the 2014 World Cup, but as the national side go through a transition period with many senior players coming to the end of their careers, Hodgson is set to give the inexperienced players more game time.
“They give me a chance to give one or two others a chance, he said. “More importantly, it will give Daniel Sturridge, Andros Townsend, Chris Smalling, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a chance to play a bit more football.”
Townsend, who continued to impress against Poland following his debut against Montenegro on Friday, is expected to remain in Hodgson’s plans throughout the next seven months before the finals.
“We have some interesting friendlies coming up,” said Hodgson. “That is a chance to give one or two a chance to put that England shirt on. I have been quite consistent in my team selections. A lot of players have played a large number of these 10 qualifying games.
“We know what some of the others – Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole, Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Phil Jagielka, Joe Hart – can do.”
A Wayne Rooney goal gave England the lead at Wembley, before captain Gerrard confirmed qualification in the final few minutes with the game’s second goal.
The World Cup 2014 will begin on June 12 in Sao Paulo, and England will have a number of friendlies before then as players get the a chance to showcase their talents in order to be picked by Hodgson for the final squad.
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