JUNE 12 - JULY 13, 2014 | BRAZIL
WORLD CUP
“
This is your
chance ...
this is the
world stage,
the perfect
opportunity
for him to
prove to
people in the
world what
we already
know,
that he
is a very,
very gifted
footballer.
– HODGSON’S
APPEAL TO
ROONEY
England did go through qualifying
unbeaten, but there was scarce
encouragement from uninspiring
performances with little attacking
penetration. It hasn’t been much better
in World Cup warm-ups, with losses
to Germany and Chile followed by an
arduous 1-0 win over Denmark.
Hodgson desperately needs Wayne
Rooney, one of football’s top earners at
Manchester United, to justify his star
billing.
The match-turning moments of
brilliance in the penalty area Rooney can
conjure for United have been absent too
often on international duty, especially
when it comes to World Cups.
Rooney failed to score at the last
two tournaments in Germany and South
Africa.
“Maybe once or twice in the past
he hasn’t exploded as maybe he has on
our national stage, where we all accept
him as being an outstanding player,”
Hodgson said.
“This is your chance,” Hodgson
added in a direct appeal to Rooney.
“This is the world stage, the perfect
opportunity for him to prove to people in
the world what we already know, that he
is a very, very gifted footballer.”
While Rooney could arrive in Brazil a
frustrated figure following a surprisingly
miserable season with United, Liverpool
is thriving — and England could reap
the rewards. Captain Steven Gerrard,
right back Glen Johnson, winger Raheem
Sterling and striker Daniel Sturridge are
among the Premier League-title chasing
Liverpool contingent that could provide
the core of Hodgson’s World Cup team.
Success breeds confidence, and
Hodgson has also profited from
Southampton’s impressive season
utilizing homegrown talent.
Forward Rickie Lambert, midfielder
Adam Lallana and defender Luke Shaw
have all made their international debuts
since August.
And it is Lallana, with his intelligent
and energetic moves, presenting a strong
case to start in Brazil.
“He’s been an under-rated player
for many years,” Hodgson said of the
attacking midfielder who has risen with
Southampton from the third division to
the Premier League. “It’s an unfortunate
truth if you want to get recognized at the
top level you have to be playing at the top
level.”
But the best English players won’t
necessarily be at the World Cup.
Hodgson won’t beg former captain John
Terry to end a self-imposed international
exile instigated by a domestic ban for
racist abuse. And Hodgson will also not
risk taking those who aren’t fully fit,
with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere
currently in a race against time to
recover from a broken left foot.
“It’s not going to be like sometimes
it’s been in the past that loyalty can be
rewarded,” Hodgson said. “You’ve got
to be on the plane because I believe you
have a role to play.” THE GAME
sports magazine t h e g a m e
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