Hodgson rings changes for England's last game

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Hodgson rings changes for England's last game

England manager Roy Hodgson will make nine changes for his side's final World Cup game against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, he said.

Centre-back Gary Cahill and striker Daniel Sturridge will be the only survivors from Thursday's 2-1 loss to Uruguay in Sao Paulo, which sealed England's elimination in the group phase.

But Hodgson insisted that despite the absence of star striker Wayne Rooney and captain Steven Gerrard, it would be "out of the question" to aim for anything except a win.

Ben Foster will play in goal, Phil Jones at right-back, Cahill will play centre-half alongside Chris Smalling, and teenager Luke Shaw will play left-back, Hodgson told a press conference at the Estadio Mineirao.

The midfield will be made up of James Milner, Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana, with Sturridge up front, he added.

Southampton left-back Shaw, 18, and 20-year-old Everton midfielder Barkley will be making their first competitive starts for England.

While Hodgson is eager to give as many members of his squad a taste of World Cup football as possible, he also wants to see his side sign off with a victory.

"With a very different team and a lot of players who haven't played in the tournament so far, I wanted everyone to go home from this tournament -- or at least as many as possible -- having taken part and played in a game, not just training," he said.

"We're very conscious of the fact that our fans are as disappointed and devastated as we are, but they are still here supporting us.

"We came into the hotel and received a lot of sympathy, kind words from them, and we really want to make certain tomorrow (Tuesday) night that they see something that they can take some encouragement from.

"And most importantly of all, it's a top-class international on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup, so anything else than taking the game very seriously and trying to win the game in its own right would be out of the question."

- Swansong for Lampard? -

Hodgson had already announced that 36-year-old Lampard would captain the side, on what could be his final England appearance, with regular skipper Steven Gerrard starting on the bench.

Lampard is expected to announce his international retirement after the tournament, but Hodgson still hopes to be able to call upon the former Chelsea midfielder in future.

"With regard to Frank Lampard, he's 36," Hodgson added.

"We don't know as yet what his next destination is. I would be more than happy if Frank remains available for selection because you never know when you need players.

"A quality player like him, I am sure he could serve the country well even in the future, but I haven't had that conversation with him as such as yet."

While Costa Rica require a point from the game to secure top spot in Group D, there is nothing riding on the match for England. But Lampard has urged his team-mates to stand up and be counted.

"Now we are in a situation where we have to show we're men," he said.

"Wayne, Steven, Joe (Hart) have all said we're disappointed, but as grown men, as grown-ups, we have to move on.

"This is about showing the pride of wearing an England shirt, whether it's a friendly or a game like this.

"It would be very easy to roll over and say it hasn't been our tournament, let's go home with three defeats.

"If we can take anything from this tournament it's been the progression behind the scenes and hopefully a result tomorrow."

England team:

Ben Foster; Phil Jones, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw; Frank Lampard (capt), Jack Wilshere; James Milner, Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana; Daniel Sturridge

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-24

[Baerboxer]

And just how much were these high performing "professional" paid for their world cup services?

They simply don't deliver. Rooney may do well for Man U but has failed every time at the highest levels as one example. But persist with him, he must come good soon.

Finally some new blood given a chance.

[P45Mustang]

Might work.

Bit of a lottery with Hodgson in charge.

[Travel2003]

Hodgson stated in the recent press conference he would "rest" Gerrard for the next game.

Rest him for what?

[bigbamboo]

Hodgson stated in the recent press conference he would "rest" Gerrard for the next game.

Rest him for what?

Didn't you know that your modern day footballer is a sensitive, metrosexual who is easily upset even by a wrong word out of place. That's why they are 'rested'.

In my day you were dropped.

[P45Mustang]

Ex Liverpool manager explaining rotation to a reporter – “Laddie, I never drop players, I only make changes. ”

[tribalfusion001]

Do I bother or not to watch it, that's the question...

[Travel2003]

I think this is one of those matches, where absolutely anything can happen.

For what we know, the hungry, relaxed and nothing to play for English players can trash CR, or it can backfire seriously.

Or, maybe just a boring match.

I will watch.

[Travel2003]

oooops, just remember the 2 matches are played at the same time.

[tribalfusion001]

I was in The Clubhouse in soi 23, Bangkok, for both games and there was one fan who cheered Uruguay's goals, I think he was Scottish and no cheers for Italy's goals, so I'm guessing that the England game will be on most of the games.

I'll go and watch it, it will give me something to complain about!

[bigbamboo]

Nice to see Lampard given the captaincy as a thank you for his long service to England but a shade worrying that he says he hasn't decided on his England future yet and that Roy wants him to stay on. Now Frank is 36 and due to retire to the MLS in America after the World Cup so surely neither can be serious about extending his international career.......can they?

Edited June 24, 2014 by bigbamboo

[P45Mustang]

Nice to see Lampard given the captaincy as a thank you for his long service to England but a shade worrying that he says he hasn't decided on his England future yet and that Roy wants him to stay on. Now Frank is 36 and due to retire to the MLS in America after the World Cup so surely neither can be serious about extending his international career.......can they?

Roy hasn't got a clue.

His press utterings are becoming as incompetent as his management skills. Never mind the lack of football acumen.