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Hodgson backs youngsters to thrive

Roy Hodgson has hailed the blend of youth and experience in his England side as they prepare to face Poland on Tuesday.

Hodgson was full of praise for the inexperienced side that comfortably dealt with San Marino at Wembley on Friday night and admitted that the performance had given him a selection headache ahead of their fourth World Cup qualifier in Warsaw.

And while Hodgson backed Steven Gerrard and England's veteran stars to put up a fight for their places, he extolled the impact of the likes of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.

"It's always nice to have experience in your team but it's also nice to have some younger players in the team," Hodgson said. "We have a good balance between youth and experience, but the key [Tuesday] night is nothing more complicated than playing well."

"The players that played against San Marino, who maybe people do not see as the first choice ones, did so well, and that does mean you get more of a selection headache, but as all coaches will tell you it's selection headaches we're after.

"It is nice to know that in England we are producing some players now that will challenge [the established players], will continue to improve and will mature with time. My only hope is that these young talents get enough game time [with their clubs]."

Meanwhile, skipper Steven Gerrard insists that the next generation are keeping him hungry to play for his country.

"They're talents, they're all different and it's great we're producing these players," he said.

"They're the players who are keeping the likes of myself on my toes. I've got to keep a level of consistency if I want to stay in the team. There's a good balance in the team and hopefully we can keep that going."

Gerrard, 32, is closing on 100 caps for England and will earn his 99th international cap against Poland.

"They've all been significant for me. Every time you put the England shirt on it's a proud moment," he added. "If I'm pushed, the 5-1 game against Germany in Munich was the highlight of my England career so far.

"To have 99 in the locker is a fantastic achievement but it'll only be a good memory if we get the three points."

Gerrard also claimed that facing Poland in the National Stadium will provide a stern examination of England's credentials.

He said: "Poland will be very tough opponents. These are the games you look forward to, a good test for me personally and a match we're looking forward to."

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