Balance of Hodgson's Squad All Wrong

A disappointing first act as England manager in my book. It's true that Woy's options are limited, what with the Terry / Ferdinand dispute, the injuries to Bent and Rodwell and the suspension of Rooney for the first two games, but there's no getting away from the fact that Hodgson has cocked up the balance of his squad.

23 players means you have the option of two players for every position, and three for the goalkeeping berth, so why on earth are we going in with just seven defenders? Micah Richards may not be everybody's cup of tea - and Capello clearly did not rate him - but he is two defenders rolled into one, providing cover for right back and centre back. His inclusion would have left open the option of playing Jones as a holding midfielder should the need arise, and of playing Glenn Johnson on the right of midfield.

Instead, Hodgson has left himself with a potential headache in the event of yellow cards and injuries. Who amongst the nine selected midfielders has the ability to offer defensive cover exactly? Barry's days as a left back are long gone - he barely has the pace to function in midfield - and apart from him, there's nobody.

Meanwhile, up front we are very lightweight. Defoe cannot lead the line alone so I'm surprised Crouch wasn't taken in his stead. Does Carroll deserve to go? Of course not, but I would have included him regardless.

Anybody think we stand a chance of winning it? Anybody care?