Roy Hodgson surprised almost everyone last night as he handed Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend his first start in an England shirt. The 22 year old was given the task of producing down the right hand side in what was Hodgsons most crucial test yet as England manager.
It had been a tough week for the manager with comments from Harry Redknapp suggesting that Hodgson wasn't first choice in the eyes of the people last year when a 'clueless' FA turned to Hodgson instead of himself. The pressure was hyped again just a few days after though as the manager then had to leap to the defence of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere who claimed only English players should play for England.
Hodgson handed both scenarios as we would have come to expect from a man that has so much experience in the game, calmly, gracefully but more important, he handled it right. When Hodgson handed in his team sheet last night there is no question that eyebrows all around Wembley and further afield were raised.
It was a must win for England if they want the opportunity to take part in Brazil 2014, and after a tense goalless first half it was time for Hodgson to deliver one of his most important half time speeches. He kept faith with Townsend who had looked bright and it was about to pay off as the Spurs winger delivered a breath taking second half performance that would have the top defenders around the world trembling with fear.
Just three minutes into the second half Townsend set off on a mazy 30 yard run down the right before delivering a perfect ball which allowed Wayne Rooney to put the hosts in front. England then doubled their advantage as Branko Boskovic put the ball in his own net.
Montenegro who hadn't really offered much halved the arrears soon after though as Dejan Damjanovic poked home from what looked like an offside position to bring Wembley to an eery silence.
Hodgson may have have stunned people by playing Townsend but it was to be further vindicated as he again showed pace and quick feet before driving a swerving shot past the visitors keeper to ensure England remain on course to qualify for next years World Cup. There was even time for a fourth as Danny Sturridge continued his fine form of late to slot home a penalty from 12 yards to give England a massive confidence boost ahead of Tuesday nights must win fixture against Poland.
Hodgson has shown this week that he is the right man to lead England. He has shown calmness, experience and passion, something we all demand from our international side. Most of all though perhaps, Hodgson has shown to be bold, he will make decisions that shock providing they will benefit the team. Last nights decision was certainly that, bold, brave but it turned into breath taking.
England now prepare for their final date with destiny. A win over Poland and qualification to Brazil 2014 is secure, a draw or defeat and they then need a miracle of Ukraine dropping points against San Marino.
Let us know your thoughts, will England qualify for Brazil 2014? Write in our comments box below or tweet @RyanDay100
Harry Redknapp launched a fierce attack today on the Football Association after being rejected as the next England Manager last year when Fabio Capello was sacked.
The now QPR boss labelled the FA as 'clueless' and he wouldn't trust them to make important decisions such as who should manage the England side. Time has passed since Redknapp was overlooked, with the job instead being handed to Roy Hodgson who faces a vital week as England look to secure their place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Redknapp today though took time to swipe at the FA bosses after being overlooked, and while sour grapes spring to mind, you do have to wonder about the timing from Redknapp with two crucial qualifiers looming large on the horizon for Hodgson and his side.
Redknapp writing in his new autobiography: " Everyone said I was the people's choice, the only choice. All the senior players seemed to be up for me to get the job. I got quite a few text messages at the time from players saying they would love me to manage England: Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry. But the FA went for Roy Hodgson to be the England manager – a man who is more their cup of tea."
Redknapp says he holds no grudge against Hodgson for getting the job but does admit he had spoken to now Liverpool boss, then in charge of Swansea about becoming his assistant at the 2012 European Championships.
Redknapp seemed the nailed on choice for the job last year, however, he ended up jobless after a run of two wins from ten games for Tottenham while he was being linked to the job meant they missed out on the top four of the Premier League and Champions League football. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy took the decision to sack Redknapp, leaving with a summer of uncertainty.
The experienced boss bounced straight back into action though in November when he answered QPR's SOS call and despite failing to keep the R's in the Premier League, Redknapp has rebuilt his squad and the London club look well on course to return to the Premier League.
It will remain unclear until next Tuesday or possibly even after the 2014 World Cup finished to know for certain if the FA was right to give the job to Roy Hodgson, but it seems that the top bosses at the FA headquarters will not appreciate Redknapp's comments and certainly the timing of them.
Was the FA right to give the England job to Roy Hodgson, and has Redknapp chosen now to attack the FA to make an already difficult week for Hodgson that little bit harder?
As always comment below or tweet us at @RyanDay100
Luis Suarez has hit the headlines again this week, however, this time it was for all the right reasons after two goals in a week helped Liverpool climb to the top of the Premier League, albeit for probably only 24 hours with Arsenal and Tottenham yet to play this weekend.
It was the Uruguayans first Premier League appearance at Anfield since April after serving a ten match ban for biting the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, nevertheless, Suarez continued his impressive form this season by netting in the 16th minute as Liverpool swept past a sinking Crystal Palace ship.
In a one sided first half it was the 'SAS' partnership of Suarez and Sturridge who tore the Eagles apart, before captain Steven Gerrard crashed home his 99th Premier League goal from the penalty spot to give Brendan Rodgers's side a unassailable 3-0 lead at the break.
Coincidentally in Suarez's last fixture at Anfield it was against a London side (Chelsea) and both him and Sturridge were on the score sheet, of course this game didn't see Suarez chomp on the arm of a player, despite him looking hungry for goals.
Liverpool will also be boosted by the return of their King Kenny, who on Friday announced he was returning to the club as a Non-exec director. The sight of Kenny Dalglish back at Anfield brings about immense happiness to the fans of the red side of Merseyside, even more so while they sit at the top of the Premier League.
Suarez has shown two impressive performances in the Premier League against Sunderland and Crystal Palace and despite bigger tests to come, there is a real belief amongst supporters that he is back to his best and he has put the past behind him.
One Liverpool fan told Everything Sport that Suarez was 'firing on all cylinders again'.
"Luis is the best striker in the Premier League. I know it's only been two games but he is firing on all cylinders again and he is putting in a shift for the team."
Despite a growing belief that the damaged love affair between Suarez and Liverpool is coming to an end, newspaper rumours wont go away that the striker is waiting on a move to Real Madrid in January.
That speculation was fired even more on Saturday morning as Suarez's Uruguay teammate Edinson Cavani said Suarez was 'still hoping for a move to Madrid.' Whether or not Liverpool would sell or in fact if Suarez will go remains unclear, however, the striker is back to his best and alongside Sturridge, Liverpool could remain in the title hunt for some time yet.
Is Suarez back to his best? Are Sturridge and Suarez the best Premier League partnership? And will Suarez leave Liverpool in January and join Real Madrid? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below or tweeting @RyanDay100
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