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Roy Hodgson should not experiment with England squad, says Ray Wilkins

Thursday 5 November 2015 10:38, UK

England manager Roy Hodgson arrives for the UEFA European Championship Qualifying match at The San Marino Stadium, Seravalle
Image: England manager Roy Hodgson will name his England squad on Thursday afternoon

Ray Wilkins does not expect Roy Hodgson to experiment when he names his England squad for the forthcoming international friendlies against Spain and France later on Thursday.

With qualification secured for Euro 2016, Hodgson has the chance to test his side against two of Europe's best - starting with current European champions Spain in Alicante next Friday - and Wilkins believes the England boss should name a strong squad.

"I don't think experimentation is the right way to go at this time, I would keep the same group of guys together as much as possible, and use that squad to the best of its ability," Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ.

Assitant Ray Wilkins left Aston Villa with Tim Sherwood
Image: Ray Wilkins (second from right, front row) left Aston Villa with Tim Sherwood last month

"Unfortunately, due to injuries like the one Phil Jagielka has suffered, new faces are going to have to come in."

Wilkins, who was assistant to Tim Sherwood until leaving Aston Villa last month, believes Villa defender Micah Richards deserves a call after an impressive start to the season despite the club's struggles.

"Micah has had an outstanding start to the season with Villa, and he could be one that is considered by Roy.

Villa skipper Micah Richards celebrates at the end of the match
Image: Micah Richards has been one of the bright spots in Aston Villa's dismal start to the season

"He is only 26-years-old, a free transfer, playing at centre-back, and is doing an exceptional job."

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Andy Carroll was on the scoresheet for West Ham against Chelsea last month and has said he is hopeful of forcing his way into Hodgson's plans now he is fit, but Wilkins doesn't expect to see him in this squad.

Andy Carroll came off the bench to score the winner against Chelsea last weekend
Image: Andy Carroll came off the bench to score the winner against Chelsea last month

"It may be a touch too early for Andy Carroll to come back in, but if he continues the type of form he has been producing, he could be one to look at closer to the Euros.

"Anyone given that opportunity must impress. When you have qualified so comfortably as we have, when you get a chance to impress you must do so.

"If Jamie Vardy goes in up front, he must have that same goalscoring effect that he does for Leicester."

Joe Hart of Manchester City celebrates his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle
Image: Joe Hart is still England's best keeper, says Wilkins, despite his mistake against Norwich City

Wilkins also says Joe Hart remains England's best goalkeeper despite Jack Butland's scintillating form for Stoke.

"Joe Hart has made a few errors recently, but in my own mind, Hart is the best goalkeeper in the country," he added.

"It is not set in stone that the position is Joe's, if Jack Butland keeps playing the way he is, he's having an exceptional season, then he will be high in Roy's thoughts.

"A goalkeeper is an area of the pitch where you can give someone an opportunity to impress."

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