Could Hodgson be set to bring JT back?

Since retiring from international football in September, pundits and fans alike have called for England boss Roy Hodgson to pick up the phone and see if he can tempt Chelsea star John Terry out of international retirement ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

But will Hodgson try and tempt the 78 time capped defender out of retirement? All signs at the moment suggest not. Hodgson only yesterday said there would be no surprises in his selection for the World Cup in Brazil.

Hodgson defended the current centre-back pairing of Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill. The pair started the crucial final games together in the qualifying period after Terry's retirement, however they did endure some fierce criticism from fans despite England going onto qualify by finishing top of a difficult group.

Against Poland, despite winning 2-0, England's back line were caught all too often on the break. If Robert Lewandoski was in his usual form then there is no doubt that the game wouldn't have finished so comfortably for the Three Lions.

Hodgson has said he has no intention on picking up the phone and calling Terry. He has faith in his current centre-backs and that must be applauded. He believes in them and he urges the fans to believe in them as well. Hodgson knows that going back to England's old boys at each tournament could only see a return to their usual failings.

It wouldn't be the first time England have turned to a retired international for the tournament should Hodgson make the call. In 2010, former England Manager Fabio Capello called upon Jamie Carragher to join the squad despite not playing a single minute during the qualifiers. Carragher found himself thrust into the major tournament and he suffered, England suffered and another miserable campaign come and went.

There are two sides to every argument and these two arguments are very good. Firstly, it wouldn't be fair on Cahill and Jagielka if they missed out on the World Cup because Terry was recalled just for the tournament. The centre-backs have been reliable if nothing more, and Hodgson should remember that when it comes to naming his 23 man squad.

Of course there is a flip side to this, Jagielka and Cahill have been caught out in the qualifiers a few times, thankfully not causing any real disasters, however against the likes of Spain, Brazil, Germany and Holland you have to wonder if they are competent enough to do a solid job.

Calling on Terry would mean experience, it would mean a leader, it would mean a commanding centre-back who has proven against the worlds best he can do a fine job. The Chelsea man though has been troubled of late with injury problems which are likely to do his cause no good.

I think it is time England left behind some of the old guard that they rely on time and time again and fail with. This is the chance of Jagielka and Cahill, they need time to grow and blossom into England's centre back pairing for the next four years.

'No surprises' insists Hodgson

After back to back defeats at Wembley for the first time in 36 years, many England fans wouldn't have been filled with too much confidence ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next summer, however England boss Roy Hodgson today insisted 'what you saw is what you will get'.

Hodgson effectively used two different sides against Chile and Germany last week, however a lack of attacking prowess and still some defensive frailties were again highlighted as the Three Lions laboured to two very disappointing defeats.

The 2-0 defeat against Chile last Friday was harsh, England dominated, they played some neat football, however a lack of striking instinct cost them. Germany was a different story, the visitors dominated and outclassed Hodgson's men. Thankfully Hodgson had Joe Hart in goal who was ready to show the world and his Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini just how good he really was.

Despite those defeats, Hodgson has said today he will stick by the players that got England to the finals in Brazil. It will be music to the ears of both Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka who have come under scrutiny of late, with several pundits and supporters calling for the recall of Chelsea defender John Terry who retired from International football last year.

It will also be music to the ears of Southampton trio Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez who Hodgson admitted had forced their way into his plans after impressing in the friendlies.

The news will not have been so pleasing for the likes of Andy Carroll who has not played for England for almost a year after struggling with injury problems. The West Ham striker will have limited time to impress Hodgson and prove he is worthy of a spot on the plane.

Roberto Martinez shared his wisdom this week when he told Everton midfielder Ross Barkley to forget about playing at the World Cup but rather spend his time on concentrating on his club form which has been impressive so far, helping him earn his three England caps.

Martinez warned: "We all know in football a week can be an eternity so next summer is a long way to worry about." The Everton boss is right and the emergence of Barkley and Townsend are proof of it. Needing to win their final two group games, Hodgson turned to Barkley and Tottenham winger Andros Townsend and it worked a treat despite having very little Premier League experience.

With just 26% of players in the Premier League being English, the England job is tough. Hodgson says he wont surprise and we shouldn't be expecting to see another young starlet propelled into the England limelight for Brazil, but you just never know.

It seems Hodgson will go with the tried and tested in Brazil, however, we want to know if you could pick one player to go as part of the England squad next summer who hasn't featured as of yet then who would it be?

'Gate' earn points as Robins remain rooted

Margate FC recorded their first win in the Ryman Premier League since the beginning of September as they beat basement side Carshalton Athletic at Hartsdown Park in front of a crowd of just 82.

With England facing Germany at Wembley and the blustery winds making it feel like temperatures had plummeted to sub zero, the home side knew there was never going to be a high number through the turnstiles, however the figure would have no doubted disappointed.

The 'Gate' did very little in the first half to repay those fans that had stuck by the side that hadn't won in the League since recording a 1-0 away win at play-off chasing Wealdstone on the 5th September. The visitors showed their game plan from the beginning as they got men behind the ball and attacked when they could.

It was the visitors that shaved the better of very few chances in the first half, however 'Gate' player/manager Craig Holloway wasn't to be beaten as he pulled off two sublime saves in the opening 30 minutes to keep the scores level at 0-0.

While Holloway remained resolute in goal, the home side looked very lacklustre in any attacking moves and probably had their number one to thank for going in level at half-time.

Whatever Holloway and Simon Osborne said at half-time certainly worked as Margate came out having stepped up their work rate and creativity. The obvious improvement came via the Kent sides two Greek midfielders Jack Summoutis and Giannoulis Fakinos who's constant searching passes and vision were key to some much better play by the home side.

It looked though as the minutes ticked by that the home support would be going home frustrated as Phil Walsh who's work rate couldn't be questioned continued to be frustrated up front on his own as the 'Gate' went in search of the three points.

However, with 71 minutes on the clock the home sides pressure finally told as Fakinos delivered a fine angled ball to the fast post where the towering Walsh cushioned the ball to the feet of Defender Gary Borrowdale who couldn't miss from just four yards.

Despite the Leagues basement side threatening with a few half chances, Margate comfortably saw out the final 19 minutes with relative ease as the Carshalton drought in front of goal continued with still just 14 League goals scored so far this season.

After the game Margate joint manager Holloway said he was pleased to earn the much needed three points.

"It's been a difficult few weeks with results, we gave the lads a kick up the backside at half time and the work rate improved in the second half."

We looked lacklustre in the first half but obviously what we said at half-time gave the boys a lift and our second half was a lot better" added the 29 year old.

Holloway was named man of the match after keeping his side in the game in the first half, however the gaffer thinks there might have been something else to it.

"I think I have done quite well this season in goal, but my friend Paul was sponsoring the game so he might have been being a bit bias with that decision."

The boss was also happy to see Borrowdale on the scoresheet, despite being a defender.

"Ideally you want all your players getting on the scoresheet to take that pressure off your strikers but credit to Phil Walsh he has been our best player over the last few weeks.

"He is winning plenty of balls in the air and bringing other players into the game so a lot of credit must go to him."

With the attendance at just 82, Holloway urged the Margate supporters to come out in their numbers to help the Club achieve their promotion ambitions.

"It's always a quiet game when England play but we need them to get behind us to help us get to where we think we can get this club, but I am sure that will come if we keep winning games."

Margate climbed to 10th in the Ryman Premier League and travel to seventh placed Lowestoft on Saturday.

Terrific Townsend puts England on verge of World Cup

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 rant aimed to harm Hodgson?

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

Lone ranger Rickie can cope in Kiev

It is just over a year since England last played in Kiev, on that occasion it was to face a fancied Italian side in a European Championships Quarter Final, Tuesday night however sees Roy Hodgson return with his Three Lions as they look to go a long way to securing their spot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Hodgson will be aware that a win for his Three Lions will put them in pole position to reach the 2014 World Cup, however, a draw or defeat will blow things wide open at the top of group H with their opposition and Montenegro on their tails.

The England boss will be up against it even more so as he has to travel to Kiev without several first teamer's due to injury and suspension. Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Andy Carroll and Glen Johnson are all missing, meaning that Hodgson is likely to hand Rickie Lambert the chance to shine alone up front for England in just his third cap.

The Southampton striker has scored in both of his England appearances so far, however Tuesday night will prove to be both his and Hodgson's sternest test yet. The rise of Lambert has been phenomenal and a match winning performance on Tuesday will all but secure both his and England's place at next Summers World Cup.

Ukraine warmed up for this clash with England by hammering minnows San Marino 9-0, while England were easily dispatching of Moldova 4-0. The hosts have met England twice in the last year. On the first occasion a Wayne Rooney goal was enough to see England progress at Euro 2012, meanwhile when the two sides met at Wembley earlier in this qualifying campaign, it was an 87th minute penalty from Frank Lampard which rescued England a 1-1 draw.

Lampard will be playing in his 100th game for England on Tuesday and like so many in the current England set up will know that this is his last chance to play at a World Cup. With Greg Dykes passionate speech about the state of the national game still ringing in the ears of many, Hodgson will be desperate to at least secure Englands place at the 2014 World Cup.

There is no doubting that this is Roy Hodgson's most important game as England manager so far. A win and England can start planning for next summer in Brazil, a draw and it is anybody's group, a defeat and England fans will have to start planning for a two legged play-off fixture.

Will England beat Ukraine in Kiev on Tuesday night?

Win a World Cup by 2022? On your bike Dyke

FA Chairman Greg Dyke this afternoon set England a challenge to win a World Cup by the year 2022, as part of the countries need to reform the national game, but was his challenge a step too far?

Every two years, expectant England fans (myself included) claim that 'this is our time', and yet time and time again we are left to bemoan and blame everyone but ourselves. Whether it be a dodgy referee, a freak goal or those dreaded penalties it never seems to be England's fault.

However, that all changed today a tiny bit as FA Chairman Dyke admitted that English football needed reforming to avoid "letting down the country and thousands of England football fans." The main issue seems obvious, however not so easy to approach. Last season just 32% of players in the Premier League were eligible to play for the England national side.

So how does the FA suggest we deal with this? Send your answers on a postcard as no explanation or plan was given other than a need "to work closely with the Premier League to deal with this frightening trend." A 'frightening trend' indeed, in 1995 just under 50% of players were English.

The warning from Dyke that things needed sorting was music to many ears, his next statement was not so. "I set a target that we win a World Cup by 2022." While extremely optimistic, it begs the question as to whether Dyke has completely misunderstood the challenge that faces him.

To reform the English national side, plans need to be drawn up to change the philosophy of the players. This plan needs to be implemented into players from as young of six or seven, allowing them to progress with a clear vision. The average age of a winning World Cup side is 27, so any hopes of winning a World Cup within 20 years seem unlikely.

Dyke of course should be congratulated for setting targets, something that has been missed by his predecessors, however his outlandish target seems to have overshadowed his much needed announcement.

Any plans to enhance the performance of our national side are welcome and I look forward to seeing what the FA and Premier League plan, however after the transfer window just slammed shut with a record amount spent on transfers, I can't see the Premier League accepting any proposals which will be detrimental to the worlds greatest league.

What would you say is the way forward for English football?

Why Crouch should be towering above Carroll for England

22 goals in 44 appearances for your country and five goals in seven games for your club would often mean an international call up, however Stoke City’s striker Peter Crouch looks likely to miss out again ahead of England’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland next week.

The 31 year old has been in fine form so far this season; however his refusal to be on standby for Roy Hodgson during this summer’s European Championships means the current England boss rubbishes the striker every time it comes to picking his squad. Crouch last played for England two years ago in a 2-1 friendly defeat against France at Wembley.

That game saw Crouch score the last of his 22 goals for his country; however after netting twice against Swansea last week, it is becoming harder for Hodgson to continue to ignore the 6’7 striker. England’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Ukraine last month at Wembley highlighted the lack of goal scoring strikers within the squad. With no Wayne Rooney or Andy Carroll in that fixture, the exclusion of Crouch seemed even odder.

Crouch offers England a target man as well as goals. Not many strikers across Europe currently have a better strike rate than Crouch and Hodgson’s continuous exclusion of him could eventually cost the manager.

Ahead of Hodgson naming the squad tomorrow (Thursday), Crouch said “Playing for my country is the best thing I have ever done, but at the moment I just have to keep my head down and play well.

Of course there are those fans that think that Crouch doesn’t deserve his place in the side after turning his back on his country this summer. One England fan on a fans forum wrote “It should be a privilege to do so, so for me if you don’t want a chance at playing don’t bother, plenty of other players who would love to be on standby I'm sure.”

With Rooney and Carroll fit again it is unlikely that Crouch will feature in this or any future England squads. Crouch however is unique, he holds the ball up well, can use both feet and ultimately scores vital goals at vital times.

I feel Crouch could still offer a lot to England and should he continue to score goals for Stoke as he has done then Hodgson cannot simply ignore him, especially after taking on the job claiming he would only choose the squad on merit and not reputation. Behind Jermaine Defoe, Crouch is probably the most deserving English striker of a call up tomorrow when Hodgson names his 23 man squad.

What do you think? Should Roy Hodgson forgive Crouch and select him again or is the boss right to ignore the 31 year old and continue to look towards the younger players? 

@Ryanday100

FA must 'arry up and appoint Redknapp to forget latest mess.

Fabio Capello sensationally resigned as England manager this evening leaving England without a manager and a captain just four months before Euro 2012.

The Italian decided to step down this evening after talks with FA chairman David Bernstein and secretary Alex Horne over comments made to Italian TV over the decision to strip the captaincy armband from John Terry after allegations of the Chelsea defender racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

On Sunday evening Capello was quoted as saying he 'absolutely disagreed' with the decision to take the armband away from Terry as he was still under suspicion and had not actually been found guilty as of yet. The comments from Capello were badly timed and were frowned upon fiercely by the FA who would have wanted to avoid this type of controversy just months before a major tournament.

With Capello appearing to be undermined by the FA as they made the decision without the managers opinion, Capello made the decision tonight that he could no longer manage the national side and resigned with immediate effect. Reports this evening from Italy say that Capello has said that the FA "really insulted me and damaged my authority". Regardless of people's opinion on the Italian, he is England's most successful manager based on win percentage with a 66.7% rate.

Capello's decision to resign has come as a huge shock to many fans although the feeling from the majority fans was 'Bring on Harry Redknapp', however it is clear that Capello did have his supporters with retired groundsman Ray Baker saying "The FA have insulted Capello's intelligence, he did a good job with the England team".

Harry Redknapp, cleared today of tax evasion is the favorite to take over the job on what could only be explained as a dream day for the current Tottenham manager. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said on Redknapp: "He started the day facing prison, he ends it in heaven." Despite Redknapp seeming to be the only candidate there are other names that are already being mentioned. Stuart Pearce, Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, Gareth Southgate and Gary Lineker have all been linked with the post.

England have done what they do best and shot themselves in the foot just months before a major tournament, however, this self implosion seems to be repairable should England have a successful European Championships.

What do you think? Who will England turn to next?

Capello comment's couldn't have come at a worse time.

“I absolutely disagree with the decision to remove John Terry as the captain”. These were the comments made by England manager Fabio Capello yesterday on Italian TV which has caused fury at the FA headquarters this morning.

Last week the decision was made by the FA committee at their Wembley headquarters to remove the prestigious armband from the Chelsea defender after his trial for allegations of racial abuse against Anton Ferdinand was delayed until the 9^th July 2012, one week after the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

With the hearing delayed, FA bosses believed they couldn’t allow a player who is up against such allegations lead the country in a major competition, however, strangely it emerged afterwards that England manager Fabio Capello was not involved in discussions whether to remove the armband from Terry. After the announcement, it was made clear that Capello supported the FA’s decision and would begin the search for his new captain who would hopefully lift the European Championship trophy on July 1^st; however, comments on Italian TV from Capello have since indicated he is not supportive of the decision.

Capello could have landed himself in huge trouble after the remarks with former FA chairman David Davies saying he might have ‘breached his contract’, the punishment for that obviously being dismissal. It is unlikely the FA will dismiss Capello, in fact they should be moving heaven and earth to avoid that situation as a calm build up to a competition would be what the Association hope for. Capello’s argument is that Terry as not yet been found guilty and until he is so then he should remain as captain.

One argument that continues to show its face against the boss is that Capello is undermining whoever is asked to take over the role. While it is true Capello stripped the armband from Terry before over the incident of the player sleeping with team mate Wayne Bridge girlfriend, Capello clearly supports his skipper in this bitter row which could cause dressing room unrest, particularly as Terry’s central defender partner at the Euros could be Anton Ferdinand’s brother Rio.

While it is highly unlikely Capello will get the sack over his comments, it is something the FA bosses will take extremely seriously as again it shows a lack of unity in the run up to another major tournament and Capello can expect some punishment, however nothing more than a quiet word from David Bernstein along the lines of ‘Just focus on winning Euro 2012’ is expected.

Was Capello right to say what he did? Should the Italian be sacked?

As always let me know your thoughts?

England will have to leave at the 'Krakow' dawn if they don't want to miss out on the Quarters.

Group D but not the group of death for England seemed to be the reaction yesterday as the 16 teams that have qualified for next year’s 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine learned their fate for next summer’s event.

With the possibility of facing Spain, Portugal and Netherlands, Fabio Capello would have been pleased to avoid all of them as England were drawn alongside France, Ukraine and Sweden. Although still a tough group, England and Capello will be expecting to progress from the group and set up a quarter final against Spain, Italy, Croatia or possibly the Republic of Ireland.

Group A would have been a dream for Capello as that sees Czech Republic, Greece, Poland and Russia all face each other for a place in the quarter finals. England must overcome a logistical problem of facing all their games in Ukraine which entails a 930 mile trip to Donetsk while the trip to Kiev will be a 535 mile from their Krakow base in Poland. Capello said yesterday that England won’t change their base for the competition as the facilities in Krakow were superb and he will be looking to avoid any controversy that followed his decision to base his side hidden away in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup.

Capello this week underlined the fact that this would be his last tournament in charge of England despite suggestions from Trevor Brooking earlier in the week that the FA could offer Capello an extension to his contract.

The draw yesterday will offer hope to England and Capello that finally they can end their long wait for a trophy. Capello would love to end his international management career on a high and what a way it would be to end by lifting a trophy for England.  Should England avoid defeat against France in their opening game on the 11^th June then I would fully expect them to progress from the group and reach the quarter finals.

We will find out this week if Wayne Rooney’s suspension will be reduced from three games which would give England a massive boost ahead of the tournament.

What did you make of the draw? Will England progress? Should Capello take Rooney if his suspension isn’t reduced?

As always let me know.