Gerry Francis believes Roy Hodgson should now look to his younger players

Gerry Francis believes the upcoming set of international fixtures offers the perfect opportunity for Roy Hodgson to field some new talent.

England entertain San Marino at Wembley on October 9 before travelling to Estonia three days later in their Euro 2016 qualifying double-header.

Aston Villa's Fabian Delph was handed his debut against Norway last month and there have been calls for West Brom striker Saido Berahino to be included in the next squad.

And former England skipper Francis is confident whichever team Hodgson fields against San Marino, a victory is all but guaranteed. 

He (Hodgson) has got to balance the situation of maybe blooding a couple of new players and bringing a few people in and giving them a game but at the same time, he’s got to make sure he gets those victories and wins both those games.

Speaking on the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ he said: “If Roy Hodgson wanted to blood some young players, then San Marino for me is the game to do it. Whatever level you put out that has to be a victory for England.

“If you play against San Marino you have to win that game, Estonia are a little bit stronger but again you’re probably looking for an England victory.

“He’s got to balance the situation of maybe blooding a couple of new players and bringing a few people in and giving them a game but at the same time he’s got to make sure he gets those victories and wins both those games.”

And Francis is convinced Berahino, along with Nathan Dyer and Luke Shaw, should be seriously considered for a starting place at Wembley.

“Obviously Berahino is a talented boy and he’s scoring goals the moment," he said. "West Brom didn’t start the season too well but have started to pick up recently and he’s been instrumental in that.

“Nathan Dyer has been playing well for Swansea and I think Roy has been to look at them recently. Certainly people like Delph need another game. He did well in the last game and maybe Shaw for Man Utd who has been injured for a long time.

“I would probably like to see him and give him a game in front of Baines. He’s very good at going forward like Baines.”