Roy Hodgson keeping team selection close to his chest

Posted by

at 08:39 on Tuesday 29 March 2016

Roy Hodgson will keep people guessing as to how England will line up against the Netherlands on Tuesday evening.

The Three Lions boss publicly revealed his starting XI for last weekend’s game against Germany, but will not repeat the tactic ahead of tomorrow’s fixture.

Hodgson did confirm that James Milner will captain the side, while Daniel Sturridge will make his first international appearance since September 2014.

“There will be some changes, but how wholesale those changes will be you'll have to wait and see,” he told the media ahead of tomorrow’s Breast Cancer Care international.

“James will captain the team tomorrow – he didn't play against Germany, so that's one obvious change.

“Daniel Sturridge will come into the team on this occasion, and we are pleased to welcome him back after his long lay-off, at least from England duties.

“The other changes, you'll have to wait and see.”

Hodgson also expressed his sympathy for injured goalkeeper Jack Butland, who withdrew from the squad yesterday after scans confirmed that he fractured his ankle in Saturday’s win over Germany.

“It was very disturbing and very upsetting for us to see [that happen to] someone who's worked so hard this year and has had such a good season with Stoke.

“He’d forced himself into a situation where many people were saying it was going to be a really good fight between him and Joe for the first team shirt.

“To suddenly get your chance against Germany and fracture your ankle in that way was a devastating blow. I think all of us felt enormous sympathy for him and empathy as well because a lot of players suffer injuries in their careers and know what it's like.

“He was very strong about it all and very stoic, really. He said to me that he'll come back stronger and that this won't affect his career in any way, and that was really good to hear.

“Our best wishes are with him and we're all going to miss him.”

England Supporters Club

Roy Hodgson keeping team selection close to his chest

Roy Hodgson will keep people guessing as to how England will line up against the Netherlands on Tuesday evening.

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