England: Ah, here it is – good old England. So often, you flatter to deceive and build up a nation’s hopes before dashing them down so cruelly before the competition is even in full-swing.
Luckily, in this part of the world, the love for the home nation isn’t so great that even if England bow out after 3 games, it’ll probably barely be noticed.
But with so many Reds in the squad (and at least one other potential), it’ll will be hard to not to at least watch with interest when Liverpo… sorry, England, take to the field against Italy on Saturday night.
While Roy will certainly be looking to play a safety-first approach, he’ll also know that anything less than at least impressive performances and a run to the quarter-finals, could see him looking elsewhere by the end of July. After all, what’s the point in retaining a manager who’s only target is ‘just good enough’?
This is why I’d be surprised if Hodgson doesn’t at least surprise a few people by starting with Sterling in a key role behind Sturridge against the Italians, knowing they are not the force many suspect them to be, after no wins in their last 7, and Uruguay being the key game in deciding who tops the group.
If Hodgson uses our boys to good effect, the sky could be the limit for England, but at the slightest hint at England becoming too expansive and Roy will no doubt retreat into his favoured defensive ‘don’t lose’ mode, which will no doubt sadly derail England’s hopes.
Prediction: Quarter-final exit, as usual
