Hodgson discovers strength in reserve as England's second string strike a chord
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UPDATED:
22:50 GMT, 15 August 2012
Roy Hodgson, in that round-about way of his, aired fears on the eve of this game that some of his England players might not see much first-team football this season.
So here was a friendly with a reserve-team atmosphere to get them accustomed to what lies ahead. Inside the half-empty Stade de Suisse, with chatter from the pitch audible in the stands, it was far removed from the carnival expected in Brazil in 2014.
Handing first caps to five players, Hodgson added new blood at the start of the road to Rio, and with his selection, posed questions to others about their plans for the future.
In a flap: Italy go ahead as Daniele De Rossi (fourth left) heads in
Players like Andy Carroll, Tom Cleverley and Adam Johnson were picked to start for England but are uncertain of starting for their clubs when the Barclays Premier League kicks off this weekend.
The same applies to Gary Cahill and England’s match-winner Jermain Defoe knows Tottenham are trying to add a couple of strikers to their squad.
Where does the arrival of Robin van Persie at Manchester United leave Ashley Young Probably not in his preferred central role, behind Wayne Rooney.
But take Johnson (I wish you would, thinks Roberto Mancini). He has started as many games for England as he has for Manchester City in the last six months.
Almost two years ago, in another Swiss city, the young winger came on, dazzled with his old-fashioned trickery and scored as Switzerland were beaten.
Rare start: adam Johnson (left) takes on Stephan El Shaarawy and Federico Balzaretti
With dancing feet and an eye for goal, he looked a dangerous alternative to the pace of Theo Walcott and the industry of James Milner. Since then, Johnson has barely moved on.
Fabio Capello, having decided not to include him in the squad for the World Cup in 2010, recalled him and seemed to settle on his role as that of an impact substitute.
He was someone to send on when all else failed, in the hope that one of those snake-hipped dribbles might unlock a defence.
Like Capello, Hodgson had him on standby but opted not take him to this summer’s tournament.
At City, Mancini seems to have given up. Johnson has not started a Premier League game since March after a series of warnings from the manager about his late-night lifestyle.
The kids are alright: Roy Hodgson's faith in England's youth was rewarded
England’s youngest ever goalkeeper Jack Butland spoke with great maturity ahead of his international debut about his determination not to become ‘big time’.
Johnson is one of those who plunged into that trap after his transfer from Middlesbrough in January 2010. The 25-year-old started on the right wing and finished on the left. His stooping stroll makes him appear uninterested at times. He can be wasteful and he can be creative. Natural ability is not in question. Application sometimes is.
He had England’s first shot on target, collecting a pass from Frank Lampard, shifting the ball onto his left foot and driving it low. But it was not a difficult save for Salvatore Sirigu.
Italy left back Federico Balzaretti, so commanding when the countries met in Kiev in June, did not contain him well and was replaced at half-time. Johnson accelerated past Balzaretti on the outside to earn the corner from which Phil Jagielka equalised.
Level pegging: Phil Jagielka (floored) made it 1-1 with a superb diving header
After 90 minutes, the winger can leave Switzerland satisfied with his contribution. Now what Is it back to City and the strongest squad in the country for occasional cameo role It is hard to imagine how he can make the team ahead of Samir Nasri or David Silva but the wages are probably very good.
Or does he seek a transfer A possible move to Everton has been mooted. He has to play if he wants an invitation to the party in Brazil. Only then can Hodgson tell if a lack of action has killed his progress or if he has simply reached his limit.
Cleverley is not at his limit. Nor is Carroll, who finished last season in terrific form but laboured through 45 minutes here like a striker in desperate need of time on the pitch.
It is not a new dilemma. The shrinking pool of talent for England managers has been a running theme in the Premier League era.
Promising future: Tom Cleverley (second left) celebrates Jermain Defoe's winner
England will always need this second tier of players when the tournaments come around because those limping out of a 50-game campaign are hitting the wall, physically and mentally.
It should not be a surprise to see bodies ailing, as with Lampard and Gareth Barry ahead of Euro 2012. It will happen again in Brazil.
Hodgson claims there is enough depth.
But are the players sharp and dedicated and hungry The England manager must hope so. Otherwise the road to Rio will end in more frustration.
