Not my words, a rs words
Hodgson shouldn't have said a word. Lallana is good enough for the shirt and has been playing well. Sterling to come on as a pacy and tricky option. Nothing to see here... until Hodgson foolishly spoke up. Now Sterling will think twice about talking to him again.
My theory on the wider issue is that despite enjoying a convivial, avuncular type of reputation in the game, and despite being regarded as something of an educated man, Hodgson is actually nothing of the sort. He is a bitter man of modest achievement with an enormous entitlement mentality.
It eats at him that he fell way short at Liverpool. He was utter rubbish. And even though it didn't last all that long, we made the right decision in binning him off. (Under normal circumstances I want Liverpool managers to be given time, but the Hodgson disaster was pretty clear for all to see from early on).
Since getting binned by Liverpool he has attempted to take revenge. He had a pop at the accent in mentioning Rooney recently. His incorrect treatment of Sturridge saw him miss seven games for us, and now Sterling is getting it. This will not end well for Hodgson. England need Liverpool. We have some very good players who will improve the whole England set up, but the way this buffoon is going about his business he is causing a rift, and with strong leadership from Brendan (and he is growing into that, so fair play to him) I can see our players being less available for England than old Roy would want.
I've had a change in view on him. I'd like to think I can be fairly gracious and can agree to live and let live. While plenty have been sticking the boot in on Hodgson for ages, I've tended to not go there, as what's the point in sticking the boot in on a decent fella who just happened to fall short in the Liverpool job? Well, I no longer hold that view. There is a petty, arrogant, nasty streak there in Hodgson. He is holding a grudge against Liverpool and it is clear to see. I'm unimpressed with him.
Unfortunately the level of competition in England's group is so sub-standard that I can't see them not qualifying, but Hodson is a dinosaur, bereft of footballing ideas, and as soon as England gets to another tournament he will be exposed for what he is: an over-promoted PE teacher.