The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Hodgson links up with England squad for first time
ROY HODGSON will have the chance to start working with the bulk of the England squad for the first time ahead of Euro
2012 when they report to their Manchester base this afternoon.
Hodgson has had to wait three weeks since becoming manager to link up with new skipper Steven Gerrard and the majority of his Euro 2012 squad.
It leaves the former West Brom boss just 19 days and friendlies against Norway and Belgium to hone his plans before the Euro 2012 opener with France on June 11.
The players will have their first training sessions with Hodgson today and tomorrow before flying out to Oslo on Friday for the game with Norway on Saturday.
It is the first time they have been together since the 3-2 defeat by Holland at Wembley in late February, and it will be next week before a full compliment of players is at Hodgson’s disposal.
The Chelsea contingent of John Terry,ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill have been given extra time off after the club’s Champions League heroics.
They will not report for duty until next Tuesday when England link-up at their Hertfordshire base ahead of the clash with Belgium at Wembley on June 2.
Wayne Rooney, who is suspended for England’s two opening Euro games, is working to the same schedule after playing with a minor injury during the latter part of the campaign.
Liverpool defender Martin Kelly will join the England squad tomorrow as additional cover for the friendly in Norway.
Kelly, who has been capped for his country at under-21 level, will return to his club after the game in Oslo.