With the confirmation that Gary Cahill will not be able to go to the Euros coming the same week that Lampard and Barry are ruled out, will there be anyone left to play bearing Three Lions on their chest?
Hodgson had his work cut out for him when he took up the England job and that was with a full compliment of players available. Now he’s lost a big chunk of his team that job has got even harder. He may have to resort to the people who carry the football kit to play midfield.
The midfield issue has been somewhat resolved with Jordan Henderson, although it’s a poor substitution for Lampard. One benefit may be that he will work better with Gerrard. After all, it’s been said for years that Gerrard and Lampard cancel each other out in the middle of the park.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has staked a strong claim for his position and there will be the experience of Theo Walcott. Phil Jones, although usually a defender, has also shown some promise.
Speaking of defence, that is where Hodgson’s worry will lie. Now that Cahill is out that leaves a big gap to be filled. Phil Jagielka has made his point with an excellent performance against Norway and if he was paired with Lescott – the two played together well in central defence at Everton – they could form a formidable pair.
Micah Richards will surely be feeling foolish for causing a fuss about being reserve-listed now that his England call up would have almost been a certainty.
And what of Rio? The 81-capped player was unceremoniously dumped by Hodgson citing ‘footballing reasons’. A phrase which will surely be dissected and analysed very closely in the next week.
The fact is that even Alex Ferguson said that Rio simply was not fit enough to play a game every four days, never mind the pressue and responsibility his experience would put on him in the eyes of his lesser experienced team-mates.
One advantage Hodgson has is that, this time around, England does not expect. Although to which level the nation will accept a drumming in Poland and Ukraine is surely set to be tested.
I’m sure Hodgson will be making his players tread carefully around their training equipment if we’re going to have a chance of netting any football medals.
Image Rights: (Mick Baker)rooster
