The WC was a disaster, but as discussed, Gerrard was the only real option for captain and as such he had to play. We all know and discussed his limitations as a DM style player, so that was detrimental to England imo. Hodgson was on to a hiding to nothing at the WC.
I'm just gonna say it....he's doing ok by me. Now Gerrard and Lampard have gone, as well as the less culpable players of their era such as Cole, Terry, Defoe etc., England are now ready to play a more modern style of patient football. I don't mean 20 passes at the back, but keeping possession better in dangerous areas, shorter passes, quick feet, happy to take players on. We currently have a crop of players who have more potential than the "golden generation" had imo and I think Hodgson is using them wisely so far.
We have pace pretty much everywhere in the squad now, and our midfield and attack look fleet footed, forward thinking and not scared. We have not had that since Scholes and Rooney were in the team in Euro 2004.
Last night and the Norway game showed the complete change in style since the WC and they were the first 2 games since. I'm happy to give him some time.