Roy Hodgson Praises Premier League Managers' Bravery

Roy Hodgson says he has been helped by the bravery of Roberto Martinez and Mauricio Pochettino in giving chances to young English players this season.

The England boss said it had added to a buoyant mood for his World Cup squad.

"[Everton boss] Martinez has been quite prepared to leave out Leon Osman for young Ross Barkley.

That's a very strong decision," Hodgson said.
"[Southampton boss] Pochettino has picked players like Luke Shaw.

That shows bravery and it's been rewarded.
" Hodgson has already said he has dilemmas over selecting his 23-man squad by 13 May and he believes young players have been "hammering on the door" after impressive displays in the Premier League this season.

After the friendly win over Denmark last month he also praised Liverpool forwards Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, who have been key part of the Reds' title charge, as well as Arsenal midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, who has impressed since returning from an early season injury.

But he will be without Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez , who is out for six months after rupturing a cruciate ligament in his knee.

England start their World Cup against Italy on 16 June, having come through their qualification campaign unbeaten.

Speaking at the Football Association Council meeting at Wembley Stadium, Hodgson added: "I think at the moment we're benefiting from a very positive atmosphere.

I'm mixing with a lot of people and finding that there's enormous hope and enthusiasm and positivity regarding this World Cup - I certainly feel it from the squad.

"It's going to be tough for me because the pool of players that I have to choose from has got a lot bigger.

There's been a lot of very interesting younger players that have come through that are not just knocking on the door anymore, but hammering on the door.

"If you saw the reaction after the Poland game [in October] - you saw the enthusiasm that swept over everybody and I don't think it was just us, the people involved in the football - it was across the nation.

" BBC SPORT