The two games will give England fans a glimpse of Hodgson’s plans as he begins to ramp up preparation for Euro 2016 this summer, the Three Lions having only three more games scheduled to take place, taking on Turkey and Australia and Portugal in May.
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The positivity of youth is one thing, but England’s performance is riding on so much more. After a disappointing showing at World Cup 2014, England’s next two global friendlies will be the last opportunity for the previous cohort of “rising stars” – Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana, and Jordan Henderson – to make their case. In theory, these tests will allow England to judge exactly what stage they are at in the lead-up to the European Championships. However, England have recorded some of their most memorable victories against Germany, including the 5-1 demolition in 2001 and the World Cup final victory in 1966.
England have a lot to be optimistic about heading into this tie in what is a new era for Roy Hodgson’s side.
Loew reflected on the attacks that killed at least 34 people and injured 270 others in Brussels the day before, saying they brought back memories of the attacks in Paris in November, when the team was playing France at the Stade de France.
Hodgson values Rooney’s leadership as well as his goalscoring qualities, and it should not be forgotten that the striker has scored ten goals in his last 14 global appearances.
From being potentially left out of the tournament squad, Chelsea FC’s Gary Cahill has been given a vote of confidence by Roy Hodgson as he will captain the side.
Missing goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who was laid low by a stomach upset, England went 2-0 up just after the break thanks to goals from Alan Mullery and Martin Peters, before disaster struck.
“I refuse to close doors and I refuse to rule people out”.
“I am confident that I won’t have a situation where I have got the dilemma, if you like, of May 12 arriving and him still really not being 100 per cent fit, but he could make it if we take him to the tournament”.
“It’s bitter for Basti, but it’s not his first injury and I think we can compensate without him and he has often already made a comeback”, said Kroos. He was used as a substitute in the first internationals of the season at a time when, incredible as it seems now, questions were being raised about “second-season syndrome” after a scoreless start to the domestic campaign.
We’ve only got 20 outfield places and unfortunately we can’t include every player who’s having a good season for their club.
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Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater has been rewarded for his displays this term, but Noble has all-but given up hope on making the Euro 2016 squad.
