Hodgson's England's Reign Cursed

Some great managers are great tacticians. Some are great coaches. Some are great motivators. Some of them build a reputation on great timing, getting out before results turn for the worse. But what all managers need is good luck, and poor old Woy is suffering misfortune in shed loads.

Cahill is the latest withdrawl from the squad and John Terry may yet follow. The chances of both Parker and Gerrard getting through the the competition uninjured are remote, especially as Scotty has carried a niggle into the tournament. Woy might as well call up Dyer and have done with it!

Mind you, with so many players injured and so many opting not to feature on the standby list, there is a sweet justice at work here. I wonder, just wonder, if Hodgson might have been tempted to turn to Barton had he finished the season clear of trouble?