Unity: With the start of Euro 2012 just over a month away, Hodgson needs to immediately ensure the England side have a real sense of togetherness.
At the 2010 World Cup, John Terry led a scathing attack on team spirit during a routine press conference leading to ’clear the air’ talks with England management.
Hodgson needs to ensure there is harmony in his squad following the fall-out of Capello’s departure.
Strong leadership: Hodgson has to use his international experience to select a strong captain for the European Championships and finally put an end the controversy surrounding the armband. With John Terry’s yo-yo spell in possession now seemingly over, questions remain over who his permanent successor will be. Scott Parker led the side out last time out, but it remains to be seen if he would be Hodgson’s man.
Mentality: One of the qualities cited in Harry Redknapp – previously the favourite for the job – was his motivational ability and his man-management skills. With the national team constantly under the microscope, Capello’s players often looked weighed down by expectation. Hodgson would need to find a way to make them embrace playing for their country again.
Youth: England have not won any international honours for 46 years and Hodgson needs to inject some freshness into an ageing squad – something Capello realised before his demise. Arguably only Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole are players of the highest class, and Hodgson has to be bold and look toward the future.Working alongside England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce would no doubt help this process, but Hodgson will have to pick a Euro 2012 squad that is not entirely conservative.
Discipline: Wayne Rooney will miss England’s first two Euro 2012 games against France and Sweden after he was sent off for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in October. The Manchester United striker’s absence could prove to be crucial during the tournament following the unnecessary sending off.
While building the team’s confidence, Hodgson would also need to work on their discipline to try to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/GOLO3yzwEpA/post.aspx
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