WATFORD, United Kingdom: England captain Steven Gerrard insists boss Roy Hodgson is right not to be drawn into the debate about his country’s chances of winning the World Cup.
New English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke’s claim this week that nobody expects England to win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil triggered a storm of complaints on the eve of two crucial qualifiers for Hodgson’s team against Moldova and Ukraine.
Dyke believes England’s hopes of winning in Brazil are a ‘doomed mission’ even if they do qualify from Group H.
But Hodgson made it clear he didn’t want to be drawn into a lengthy debate about Dyke’s views when he was quizzed at a press conference.
“We don’t see it that way,” Hodgson insisted. “None of us, with the team, ever saw it in that way. We don’t believe our chairman sees anything as a doomed mission.
“He also said in his speech how much he supports the team and hopes we get to Brazil and do well.
“I don’t think he’s giving up on the team. That would be harsh on him and even harsher on the team.”
And Liverpool midfielder Gerrard was also diplomatic when he said: “I think realistically everyone in the room knows we’re not going to be one of the bookies’ favourites to win the World Cup.
“But it doesn’t mean we can’t get there and have a successful tournament to make the country proud. But, look, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Our priority is to get there first.” AFP
