Well I guess having Hodgson, a former LFC manager, means LFC will have much representation in England internationals because he knows them. Not sure how I feel about that, given that internationals are more a burden than anything, but congrats to Kelly. I really find it hard to choose between him and Richards, and obviously I'll always support the LFC man more, but I think too much is made of Kelly not deposing Johnson at LFC as reason to think he's worse than any other right/centre back. That depth will serve us well.
Hodgson is picking them because he believes they are the best players and on form. After you pick over all the absentees such as Barry, Lampard, Cahill, Wilshere, Kyle Walker you are left with less to choose from.
As for knowing the players 3 of them never played for Hodgson at Liverpool (Downing, Carroll and Henderson)and none of the other 3 were players he signed so he cannot really be accused of picking favourites.
Would be ironic though if he got a real tune out of what he is putting together for the national team and Downing ended up getting two assists in the final with Carroll and Henderson both scoring.
