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R. Hodgson included both older and younger players in the composition. Young footballers such as Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, and Ross Barkley received invitations. They all performed well in their clubs and shone in the youth national teams up to 21 years old.
"If I had chosen the composition after the last qualifying matches, it would look different. However, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. I cannot ignore the players who work hard every day and show that they deserve an invitation," the coach said about L. Shaw and R. Sterling. - "Now they have improved."
Steve Gerrard will be the captain of the England national team. Together with Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, he is preparing for the third World Cup.
"Wayne decided to take a physical trainer with him because he is ready to shoot with all his might. His attitude is exemplary, dedication - you cannot expect better. And he certainly has skills. Now he needs to show all of this during the matches," Hodgson said about W. Rooney.
The coach revealed that he instructed the players to rest and prepare psychologically.
R. Hodgson also chose Arsenal defender Jack Wilshere and Manchester United defender Phil Jones, even though both did not play due to injuries for a long time. Both players will be ready to fight in the summer.
Next week, the England national team will travel to Portugal to start preparing for the World Cup. On May 30, at Wembley Stadium, the English will play a friendly match against Peru. Later, the team will travel to Miami, where they will have two friendly matches - against Honduras and Ecuador.
On June 14, the English will start the World Cup with a match against the Italians.
England national team composition:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Fraser Forster (Glasgow Celtic).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - captain, Ross Barkley (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
