Skip to content

Roy Hodgson delays naming England squad until Sunday

England manager Roy Hodgson during a training session ahead of the UEFA European Championship Qualifying game at the Stozice Stadium, Slovenia. PRESS ASSOC
Image: Roy Hodgson has put his England squad announcement on hold

Roy Hodgson has delayed announcing his England squad for the European Qualifiers with San Marino and Switzerland until Sunday.

The announcement was due to take place on Tuesday afternoon but Hodgson said there are a number of decisions that still need to be made.

England play in San Marino on September 5 and face Switzerland at Wembley three days later.

Hodgson said on Monday afternoon: "After meeting with my coaching staff today we have decided to wait until this Sunday before announcing the squad to face San Marino and Switzerland.

"We have a large of number of players that still need confirming regarding availability and fitness so rather than selecting a larger squad now, we will wait for the games at the weekend before choosing around 23 players who are definitely available."

The England boss is short of defenders with Ryan Bertrand, Leighton Baines and Phil Jones out through injury, while left-back Danny Rose is still to play a game for Spurs this season because of a thigh problem.

His Spurs team-mate Andros Townsend is doubtful due to an ankle injury but Kyle Walker is available.

Also See:

While the senior squad announcement has been postponed, Gareth Southgate will still name his England U21 squad for the September 3 clash with United States U23s on Tuesday morning in Preston.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has set his sights on earning a place in England's Euro 2016 squad.

The Manchester United midfielder is likely to be included in the squad for the upcoming qualifiers.

England's Michael Carrick in action during a Euro 2016 Group E qualifying football match between England and Lithuania at Wembley Stadium in north London
Image: Michael Carrick has 33 England caps

After a season interrupted by injury, Carrick found his way back into the England squad and impressed in the 4-0 win over Lithuania and 1-1 draw against Italy in Turin.

With Jack Wilshere out with an ankle injury, the former Tottenham player has a chance to stake his claim for a place in England's midfield over the next few weeks.

And after missing out on Euro 2012 and last year's World Cup, the 34-year-old is keen to make the cut for next summer's tournament in France.

"Of course I would like to go," he said.

"I have been involved in the squad since the World Cup. I am looking to stay involved as much as I can.

"It is down to me to play enough here and play well enough to warrant a place."

If England beat San Marino and Slovenia fail to beat Switzerland on the same day, the Three Lions will qualify for Euro 2016 with three games to spare.

Around Sky