Hodgson confirms Sturridge & Rooney will start against Germany
By Gill Clark6
Nov 18, 2013 2:47:00 PM
The Three Lions boss has named his team for the Wembley showdown and says he is happy to see competition for places in his squad hotting up ahead of the World Cup
Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge will start for England when they face Germany at Wembley on Tuesday.
The Liverpool striker missed the 2-0 defeat to Chile on Friday and doubts were raised over his participation against Joachim Low's side after he left training early.
However, Hodgson has confirmed he is indeed fit, and was also happy to name his starting line-up for Tuesday's clash.
"Daniel Sturridge is fine. Last week he couldn't take part in training much as he was having treatment," he announced in his pre-match press conference.
"But his injury has been improving and the only reason he came off in the training game was to give Rickie Lambert a chance at centre-forward because there is a good chance I want to see him."
Hodgson also revealed that Southampton's in-form midfielder Adam Lallana will be handed another chance to impress after making his Three Lions debut against Chile, while fellow youngsters Tom Cleverley and Andros Townsend will also feature.
"There are more and more positions where competition for places is hotting up and that's how it should be," he added. "There is always a challenge which is going to be to have the right squad of players in Brazil and get the right balance.
"I'm very pleased we have a group of players constantly satisfying me with their work and attitude."
The England manager also confirmed that Joe Hart will return in goal and says he is confident the Manchester City man will put in a strong performance.
"I am sure he will respond very well. He is a proud man and very pleased to be playing for England. We have had no cause to doubt him in the qualifying games and also the Euros," he said.
"We are unbeaten in 14 games and I think he is entitled to feel confident that when he puts on the England jersey we are all behind him and expect him to play well tomorrow night."
England team to face Germany: Hart; Walker, Smalling, Jagielka, Cole; Cleverley, Gerrard, Lallana, Townsend; Rooney, Sturridge.
