Hodgson casts eye over Hammers' England hopefuls

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 27th October 2014

England manager Roy Hodgson was present at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to watch West Ham overcome reigning champions Manchester City 2-1.

The 67-year-old has been heavily criticised in recent months for not calling up the in-form Mark Noble, who at 27 is still awaiting his first call up to the full squad despite having captained the Under 21s on several occasions.

Hodgson has also been criticised for ignoring the excellent Stewart Downing - last capped by England in May 2012 - who has excelled thus far this season in a more central role - and likes of James Tomkins, who some feel deserves a call-up.

Despite having considered switching allegiances to the Irish camp - for whom he qualifies through a grandparent - Noble insists that England are the only country he wants to play for.

"Fingers crossed," he told the Recorder. "Obviously it helps when the team is playing well and sitting in third or fourth place in the league.

"I'm pretty sure he was watching Stewart Downing as well as he has been in great form, but hopefully it happens this time."

England's next fixture comes against Slovenia on November 15, when the Three Lions face the East Europeans in a European qualifier. Three days after that they face Scotland in a friendly.

* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.



More News