Roy Hodgson has told the English press not to put all World Cup hopes on Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney as the England boss named his 23-man squad for Brazil today.
United will have four representatives in the squad which will travel to Brazil next month as Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been given the nod.
However, Hodgson has been quick to play down the role of Rooney as the man who holds the key to English success, after the striker has struggled with the expectation in the last two tournaments.
“It’s very wrong to put the footballing hopes of a country on one man,” Hodgson told his press conference.
“It would be good for Wayne if the onus of responsibility and scoring goal is shared as it gives him a chance to show other aspects of his game.”
In the past Rooney has struggled with fitness in the build up to World Cup’s but Hodgson believes the striker has learnt from old mistakes and is confident England’s leading scorer in qualifying will be on top form come June 14.
“I’ve told the players to go away for a week and get mentally prepared,” he added.
“Wayne has decided to take a physio with him because he is so determined to come back firing on all cylinders.
“His attitude is spot on, desire: couldn’t be better. Ability: yes he has, now it’s all about bringing that to the match on the day.”
There was disappointment though for two of United’s England hopefuls as Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley could only win a place on Hodgson’s standby list.
For Carrick, 32, this would have been his last realistic chance to play in a World Cup after the midfielder featured in both the 2006 and 2010 tournaments.
A poor season in an underperforming United side though has seen him lose his place and he showed his disappointment through Twitter.
Disappointed to be left out of the squad, World Cups are special and to miss out hurts. Want to wish the boys the very best of luck.
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) May 12, 2014
Main image courtesy of England Official via YouTube, with thanks.
