Manager Roy Hodgson Makes Nine Changes as England Face Costa Rica in Last Game
Following their two losses and an early exit from the FIFA World Cup, England Manager Roy Hodgson has made wholesale changes to his side that will take on Costa Rica in their final game of the tournament.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: June 26, 2014 04:38 PM IST
England manager Roy Hodgson announced on Monday that he will make nine changes for his side's final World Cup game against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Centre-back Gary Cahill and striker Daniel Sturridge will be the only survivors from Thursday's 2-1 loss to Uruguay in Sao Paulo, which sealed England's elimination in the group phase.
"Well, Ben Foster will play in goal," Hodgson told a pre-match press conference at the Estadio Mineirao.
"The right-back will be Phil Jones. Gary Cahill will play centre-half alongside Chris Smalling, and Luke Shaw will play left-back.
"In midfield we will have (James) Milner, (Frank) Lampard, (Jack) Wilshere, (Ross) Barkley and (Adam) Lallana, and Sturridge will play up front."
Southampton left-back Shaw, 18, and 20-year-old Everton midfielder Barkley will be making their first competitive starts for England.
While Hodgson is eager to give as many members of his squad a taste of World Cup football as possible, he also wants to see his side sign off with a victory.
"With a very different team and a lot of players who haven't played in the tournament so far, I wanted everyone to go home from this tournament -- or at least as many as possible -- having taken part and played in a game, not just training," he said.
"We're very conscious of the fact that our fans are as disappointed and devastated as we are, but they are still here supporting us.
"We came into the hotel and received a lot of sympathy, kind words from them, and we really want to make certain tomorrow (Tuesday) night that they see something that they can take some encouragement from.
"And most importantly of all, it's a top-class international on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup, so anything else than taking the game very seriously and trying to win the game in its own right would be out of the question."
Hodgson had already announced that 36-year-old Lampard would captain the side, on what is expected to be his final England appearance, with regular skipper Steven Gerrard starting on the bench.
Lampard is expected to announce his international retirement after the tournament, but Hodgson still hopes to be able to call upon the former Chelsea midfielder in future.
"With regard to Frank Lampard, he's 36," Hodgson added. "We don't know as yet what his next destination is. I would be more than happy if Frank remains available for selection because you never know when you need players.
"A quality player like him, I am sure he could serve the country well even in the future, but I haven't had that conversation with him as such as yet."
While there is nothing riding on the match for England, Costa Rica require a point from the game to secure top spot in Group D.
England team to play Costa Rica: Ben Foster; Phil Jones, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw; Frank Lampard (capt), Jack Wilshere; James Milner, Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana; Daniel Sturridge