• World Cup qualifiers

Hyypia hoping to join England bench

ESPN staff
October 9, 2013
Sami Hyypia has been shadowing England boss Roy Hodgson © PA Photos
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Sami Hyypia is hoping to join England manager Roy Hodgson on the bench at Wembley for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland.

The rookie Bayer Leverkusen boss has asked the favour of Hodgson in a bid to gain experience to help him pass his Pro A licence course.

The pair worked together when Hodgson was in charge of the Finland national team between 2006 and 2007.

Former Liverpool defender Hyypia has been shadowing Hodgson in the international week, watching England at the St George's Park training complex on Tuesday.

Hyypia has enjoyed a fine start to his coaching career. After earning his credentials in a summer course in Finland, he took sole charge of Leverkusen for this season, having spent the previous campaign working alongside Sascha Lewandowski, who has now returned to the club's youth system.

He has excelled in the solo role, taking 19 from a possible 24 points in his first eight games in the Bundesliga but he remains keen to further his education.

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