Hodgson goes for youth in England’s Group D dead rubber

Even though Costa Rica have caused these shock upsets, the Three Lions are under no pressure whatsoever, and this starting team are, on the whole, young and raring to go and show their older under-achievers how it is done.

They say that there is no fear in youth and, with the likes of Jones, Shaw, Wilshere, Barkley and Sturridge, England do possess a promising crop of up-and-coming talent.

Yes, it has been heard many times before that the Three Lions have a bright future, and we are still waiting to see that, but these individuals are undeniably gifted. They were all a key part of their respective clubs’ successes this season, still at a young age, and experience on big stages such as the World Cup can only be good for them.

Sturridge, who got the equalising goal in the 2-1 defeat to Italy, is now odds-on at 1/2 to be top England tournament scorer and is a 5/4 chance to strike again anytime against Costa Rica, or 7/1 to get two or more. Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, who cancelled out Luis Suarez’s opener in the Uruguay game, is 2/1 to be Three Lions leading marksman, and 11/2 to come off the bench and net last.

The likes of England’s so-called key players captain Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Phil Jagielka and Glen Johnson have all been left out, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for some. Besides Rooney, the others are all in or approaching their 30s, so this could be their last international game, and almost certainly their final major tournament.

Back Gerrard, who is two caps behind David Beckham’s outfield record of 115, to go out with a bang – if he comes off the bench – to score last at 10/1.