Hodgson looks to established men

16 October 2013 18:01

England manager Roy Hodgson will look to his established players after the team qualified for next year's World Cup finals in 2014.

The Three Lions confirmed their spot with a 2-0 win over Poland on Tuesday night to finish top of the group after a thrilling and sometimes nervous night at Wembley.

While Hodgson has praised a number of young players who have forced their way into the first team, he will again rely on the likes of the more experienced members of the team.

He told reporters in a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News: "I would think so yes.

"I can't guarantee that, we are a long way off - how do I know what form players will be in in May, what will happen to them, what injuries maybe they've had to deal with. So many unknowns at the moment.

"But all the players I have worked with so far are still very much in my thoughts as are the young ones who I know will be working even harder to knock them off their perch.

"I have a very tough job on my hands - I'm hoping - it will be nice not to be chasing around trying to fill up the quota."

He also praised the contributions of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

"Both Wayne and Steven have been immense in this campaign especially during the latter part.

"Wayne having found such good form with Manchester United and then being able to bring it to the England get togethers and the England team.

"There is no doubt the young players are very exciting, they are our future, they are going to be real important cogs in the wheel when we move on after this World Cup.

"But success in the actual tournament itself this close to the tournament, we are going to need the Gerrards, the Lampards, the Rooneys, the Coles, all of these guys because the young players feed off them."

Source: PA