Hodgson dodges Sturridge, Rashford selection question
With Tuesday's Euro 2016 squad selection deadline fast approaching, England manager Roy Hodgson is faced with a dilemma made more burdensome by Marcus Rashford's dazzling international debut.
Liverpool's sideline squire Daniel Sturridge looked on with an impassive look - and a calf strain - as the teenage Rashford waited 135 seconds to score on his England debut.
With Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy certain to make Hodgson's 23-man squad, the former Fulham boss is left with a decision: the red-hot 18-year-old, or one of the Premier League's deadliest finishers who has scored five times in 17 appearances in the England strip?
Convention suggests the gaffer takes three forwards, three 'keepers, eight defenders, and nine midfielders, though Hodgson remains coy in ruling nothing out.
"People are deciding it is either or between Rashford and Sturridge or between two midfield players, etc etc," Hodgson said after Friday's friendly defeat of Australia at the Stadium of Light.
"But never on one occasion will you find me quoted as saying, 'we can only have x number of forwards, we must have this many midfield players.'"
Rashford's opener was followed by an impressive 63-minute performance marauding down the left flank, and getting into positions common for footballers 10 years his senior. The United academy product was guilty of a few momentary lapses consistent with an international debut, but his display appeared worthy of a spot in Hodgson's squad.
"If anything I feel more comfortable with the decision I have to make than I did going into the game."
Like clockwork, whenever Rashford had a good spell in the 2-1 victory over the Socceroos, the camera would pan to deadpan Dan sitting in the stands.
Social media naturally sensed an opportunity to roast Sturridge over his apparent lack sentiment. Hodgson doesn't have much time for that.
"The one thing I would say about Daniel is don't try to start questioning his commitment or his desire. If I go to Daniel Sturridge and tell him he isn't going to France, he'll be as disappointed as any other player.
"If I choose him it will be because I am convinced he can handle those situations, and if I choose him it will be because I believe he will be able to help us come back with good results from the tournament."