Hodgson aims to prepare his old guard for the long haul
Roy is wary of burn-out
Published: 13/06/2012
ENGLAND coach Roy Hodgson has admitted he may have to pay careful attention to Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard as he plots a path through Euro 2012.
Parker, 31, found it tough going against France in Donetsk on Monday and eventually had to be substituted.
Gerrard lasted the entire 90 minutes but, at 32, his stamina cannot be taken for granted either.
It is something Hodgson will have in his mind as he selects a team for Friday’s Group D encounter with Sweden in Kiev.
“Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard are both over 30 and had to work really hard,” said Hodgson, as he reflected on the 1-1 draw with France.
“But I’m sure I’m not going to be the only coach wondering ‘Can they do it every four days?’ about their players.
“What we’ve got to make certain of is that others are ready to go in and do exactly the same job.”
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