x

Hodgson Rules Out New Faces

England boss Roy Hodgson has spoke out on his plans for the squad for the World Cup, which will be good news for some Saints players, but bad news for others.

Roy Hodgson has said he will not be bringing in any new faces for the run in to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the England manager has one more friendly against Denmark in March before he has to name a provisional 30 man squad for the tournament.

Speaking to BBC Sport Hodgson said.

"I've been looking at players for 19 months so I don't think there's too many who will come out and really surprise me,"

"I don't expect in the coming months to be watching games and suddenly find players I have never really thought of jump out at me and prove to be a lot better."

"It's a question of concentrating fully on the players I have already watched and know about.

"I'm trying to make certain I've got a very good grip on those players and where they are form-wise when it comes to picking the squad in May."

This is good news for the three Saints players who featured against Chile & Germany, they are firmly in the sights of the England boss and it now seems to be a case of putting in the performances that will convince him that they should be on the plane.

However it could be bad news for Nathaniel Clyne, James Ward Prowse & Luke Shaw, all three would have harboured hopes of perhaps being surprise call ups for the full squad and although Hodgson hasn't quite slammed the door shut just yet, his words make it quite clear he is concentrating on the players that he has seen perform in an England shirt already, so it would take something exceptional by any player not yet selected by Hodgson to force his way into the squad, or of course a serious injury in a key position, that would very likely open the door for Shaw or Clyne if the likes of Cole, Baines or Walker were to be injured, but possibly not JWP with the plethora of midfielders available to call upon.

Of course there is a long way to go before that provisional squad is selected, but there is every motivation for at least 3 of our squad to keep reproducing their form of late and get themselves into the final squad for Brazil

What to read next:

Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.
Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.
Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.
Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.
Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate
He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.
Swansea City : The vision is clearer, so Jamal Lowe ?
There were some worrying moments for the Swans yesterday, on three occasions mistakes from playing out from the back nearly saw the home side score. And is there now a case for Jamal Lowe to be offered a contract at Swansea ?
Leighton James : His own football revolution
With the passing of Leighton James yesterday we have a Saturday night treat for football fans, Swans fans and Wales followers the world over. Who can recall the magic boots imposing themselves on clubs throughout Wales and England ?
Three subs seal it for the Swans at Huddersfield
As much as we urged the Swans this morning to go to Huddersfield and fight for out clubs shirt this game had many stories to tell, and it was a fantastic ending for Swansea City. Before the goals started to flow it was a fifty-fifty shout as to who would take the points, and the Swans at one point couldn’t do enough to help their hosts.
Huddersfield Town 0 - 4 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Team News : Huddersfield Town v Swansea City
Will appear here at 2pm UK time.