For the most part, England could not puncture an organised and hard-working Estonian team, who stand 87th – below Iraq and Guatemala – in the Federation Internationale de Football Association rankings.
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“We have a good idea of the core that we’d like going forward, but we tend to get a lot of injuries”, he lamented. The 64 year-old was preparing to lead his country after managing 18 teams, including three national sides, in a coaching career spanning 36 years. Maybe that, if someone asks how that qualifying campaign was apart from satisfying, I’d be looking at the injuries we’ve had to contend with.
England travel to Vilnius having won all nine of their European Qualifiers and now have the opportunity to finish with a 100 per cent record for the first time in their history.
“We’ve let James Milner go and we’re already without Michael Carrick, who had to leave us through injury and Jack Wilshere is injured, so I mentioned Jonjo Shelvey”.
In the absence of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, Everton star Phil Jagielka will lead the Three Lions against Lithuania. Walcott was substituted in the 83rd minute, his replacement Jamie Vardy registered an assist for England’s second goal just two minutes later.
However, Hodgson is confident that the surface at the 5,000 capacity stadium will not affect his team as he has experienced the surroundings first hand during his spell in club management. “You’re an England player, but whether you’re in the seniors or in the Under-21s… if he turns out to be one of the best players in the Premier League for the rest of the season, you’ll be wanting him in”.
Theo Walcott also looks set to be handed a chance to stake a claim for a place in Hodgson’s team for Euro 2016.
Few expect England to come a cropper in Monday’s dead rubber in the Baltics, with bookmakers pricing Lithuania at 10/1 to emerge victorious.
In a match where the two centre backs, along with Milner, remained disciplined in their defensive duties, England could try a few things.
“Passing the ball in front of them would not win us the game”.
But while recognising his talent, Hodgson is desperate to keep Barkley away from the hype as the clock ticks down to France.
“Dele Alli, don’t start pushing with him”, Hodgson said.
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley says he is feeling confident with his form and that he feels like he is in the zone after another excellent performance for England last night.
Gary Cahill is ready for England to test themselves against Spain and France in their marquee friendlies next month.
“But we’re working hard to improve going into the Euros”.
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“The squad is strong and it’s up to us who gets the chance tomorrow to go and prove it and put a good performance on”.
