England manager Roy Hodgson is pleased with what he has seen from his squad as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.
The Three Lions have been training at St George’s Park this week in the build up to their friendly against Peru tomorrow evening.
The match at Wembley against the South Americans will be England’s final home match before the finals in Brazil, where they will face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in a difficult-looking Group D line-up.
England manager Roy Hodgson is pleased with what he has seen from his squad as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.
The Three Lions have been training at St George’s Park this week in the build up to their friendly against Peru tomorrow evening.
The match at Wembley against the South Americans will be England’s final home match before the finals in Brazil, where they will face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in a difficult-looking Group D line-up.
However, speaking at a Press conference today, the 66-year-old tactician said he would be happy if his side could reproduce the form they have been showing in training against the Azzurri on June 14.
“I feel that going into the tournament and having been with the team for two years, I am much more at home in the role,” Hodgson told reporters.
“We are determined not to let the opportunity slip by without grasping it and having an effect on the tournament.
“If I could bottle what I’m seeing at the moment and release it on June 14 against Italy, I’d be a happy man.”
The former Inter and Liverpool boss also said that leading his country at a World Cup finals will be the pinnacle of his career, but admitted he still does not know the starting eleven he will select to face Cesare Prandelli’s team in their opening match.
“I guess it is [the pinnacle of my career]. Going to the Euros was previously the biggest of my career but the World Cup tops the Euros.
“I defy anyone to second guess my first eleven! I can’t give any selection clues, not because I want to disguise the team but because I haven’t spoken to them yet.
“They have been so keen to stake their claim so I have to admit it’s not going to be an easy choice. There are a lot of positions around those senior players that need resolving.”
Finally, Hodgson commented on the possibility of a forward pairing of Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge.
“I don’t think we’ve had the opportunity to see them together yet. They’re two excellent, first class players and I don’t see any reason why they can’t play together.”