Hodgson his own man

Roy Hodgson has shrugged off suggestions he will turn to Fabio Capello for advice ahead of England’s quarter-final against Italy.

Hodgson has experience coaching in Italy, having trained Inter twice from 1995-1997 and again in 1999, as well as Udinese in 2001.

The England boss is certain his side will be well-prepared for Sunday’s clash with the Azzurri, and does not plan on looking elsewhere for help, though he admits he expected people to compare him with the former Three Lions boss.

“I don’t think I will be turning in particular to anybody for advice,” the 64-year-old told reporters.

“We will be making certain we use all the evidence we have got and study the video and make our own minds up as to how we go about the job.

“One thing is clear, if we can go about the job in the way we are doing at the moment we will make a game of it and who knows what will happen.

“It will be another even encounter, another game that will swing either way.

“The good thing is we are there, we are taking part and still in the competition.”

Hodgson’s predecessor Capello guided the Three Lions to qualification for the finals in Poland and Ukraine, and he knows that comparisons with the Italian are inevitable.

“I am sure people will compare me with Capello because this is the team he qualified for this tournament,” he said.

“I am sure he must still be disappointed not to be here coaching this team himself.”

Hodgson expects to have all 23 players available for selection against Italy, including Ashley Young who suffered a knock to his shin during the Three Lions’ 1-0 victory over Ukraine on Tuesday.

“All 22 players either trained or did recovery work,” said an FA spokesman following a closed training session on Thursday morning.

Jermain Defoe was the only absence from Thursday’s session, after the Tottenham striker returned to England for his father’s funeral.

England will be looking to secure a semi-final appearance in a major tournament for the first time since Euro ’96.