Roy Hodgson names England squad to face Germany

Roy Hodgson has confirmed the England team to face Germany tomorrow night.

Hodgson believes England’s forward partnership of Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge will strike fear into Germany’s defence.

The England manager is eager to see the duo prosper again on Tuesday night after encouraging signs in World Cup qualifying and has picked both to start in a much-changed team from the one beaten by Chile last Friday.

Joe Hart has been confirmed in goal to face Germany at Wembley, the defence will be Kyle Walker, Chris Smalling, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Cole, the midfield will consist of Andros Townsend, Steven Gerrard, Tom Cleverley and, keeping his place, Southampton’s Adam Lallana.

But the front pair of Rooney, with Sturridge ahead of him, is what excites Hodgson most.

“I am looking forward to seeing them more than the German defence will be,” he said.

“Those two players could carry a lot of responsibility going forward for our attacking threat because they both have such enormous potential and talent.

“Hopefully, there will be others breathing down their necks but I was really happy with those last two qualifying games when the pressure was on us and we had to get results. 

“They did well for us and it will be nice to see them tomorrow but I don’t envisage them playing 90 minutes together.”

Sturridge has talked of his partnership with Rooney being similar to the one he has with Luis Suarez at his club, Liverpool, and Hodgson confirmed he is close to full fitness after a thigh injury.

Gerrard, a club-mate of former Manchester City and Chelsea player Sturridge, is also pleased England’s burgeoning forward partnership will be given more time to develop.

“You talk about his partnership with Rooney, but the difference is Wayne has done it. Daniel has got to go and do it now and certainly has the talent,” said the England captain.

“I was surprised Chelsea let him go. I had seen flashes of him at Manchester City and Chelsea and really liked what I saw.

“Now I have worked and played with him at close quarters for Liverpool and England, I am a huge fan. The stage is set for Daniel to prove to everyone he is a top-class forward.”

Hart will step up to the goal line after missing Friday’s friendly against Chile for England when Fraser Forster was given a chance.

The goalkeeper has endured a difficult few weeks but looked sharp in training on Monday morning and Hodgson insisted his backing for Hart is still strong.

“This is another chance for him to show he is a top-class goalkeeper and deserves his place as the No 1 for England. He is doing it against a team who can cause our defence plenty of problems,” said Hodgson.

“I am sure he will respond very well. His club career is not my business but he is a proud man, very pleased to be playing for England and has done well for us. We have had no cause to doubt him during these very important qualifying games or during the Euros.

“He is entitled to feel confident when he puts on an England jersey that we are all behind him. We all think he is a very good goalkeeper and expect him to play well tomorrow.”