On Saturday, Roy Hodgson will be up against a number of players he worked with during his spell as England boss.
“For a long time Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley were an integral part of the England team,” said Hodgson, whose Crystal Palace side entertain Everton on Saturday.
“I know those players, know how good they are, but that doesn’t necessarily help me.
“We know a win would be very good for us and would make life a bit harder for others like us. But wanting that and knowing that doesn’t make it so. Our preparation focuses on what we can do to merit victory.
“Every period is a crucial period. I see the task ahead of us as a week to week, opponent to opponent, task.”
Some more quotes from Roy Hodgson on 21-year-old England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who made his international debut against Germany and then played against Brazil.
“He is quality player, and it is good he took the opportunity,” said Crystal Palace boss Hodgson.
Asked if Loftus-Cheek can go to the World Cup next summer, Hodgson says: “He knows he has got a lot of work to do. Age is not a factor, the important thing is he plays for us and plays well and if that happens he will be a contender for Gareth Southgate.”
On the news Christian Benteke is back in contention after nearly two months out injured, Hodgson added: “We’re hoping Christian can play a big part for us. I don’t think it would be a risk playing him – he had three good training sessions this week.”
SEE ALSO: KISS DANIEL VS G-WORLDWIDE ENTERTAINMENT: FANS VOICE OUT THEIR OPINIONS
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz
