Hodgson coy on England strikers
Roy Hodgson is keeping an open mind on whether to retain Harry Kane or start Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy in England’s final group game against Slovakia.
Assured of a top-three finish after the last-gasp victory against Wales – when Vardy and Sturridge scored as England came from behind to win – England know they can top Group B with victory in St Etienne tonight.
“Jamie and Daniel did very well when they came on against Wales and I’m sure they would like to start against Wales,” Hodgson told reporters at England’s press conference.
“The options are there. We have spoken at length on many occasions about the options available, especially in the front positions and nothing changes. It’s a decision to be made.”
Kane and Raheem Sterling made way for Vardy and Sturridge at half-time, and with just one shot on target in 135 minutes at the championships, questions are being asked about the Tottenham striker’s fitness after a gruelling season.
“I have spoken to Harry, he has been very good in training over the last couple of days,” Hodgson said.
“I don’t think he is suffering any more from the season than any other who has played on a regular basis.
“We have some players who of course haven’t played on a regular basis either through injury or some other reason but there is no problem with him in that respect.”
England have a fully-fit squad for today’s clash with Slovakia at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and Hodgson insisted any changes to his starting line-up will be out of choice rather than necessity.
