Hodgson says future’s bright

England manager Roy Hodgson believes the signs for the future are bright after handing debuts to several young prospects in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory against Italy in Berne.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and John Terry were not required for this game, played just three days before the start of the new Premier League season.

Their availability means that Hodgson does not need to completely re-build ahead of the World Cup but he was delighted to see some of the next generation come through a demanding test.

Goalkeepers Jack Butland and John Ruddy and midfielder Tom Cleverley all showed up well on their debuts, while there were also international bows from the bench for Ryan Bertrand and Jake Livermore.

“It was just the type of game I expected,” said Hodgson, who watched his side come from behind thanks to goals from Phil Jagielka and substitute Jermain Defoe.

“There were a lot of players looking to make an impression and I’m happy with the way they played. It is the qualifiers that really count but it is nice to know that we have a deeper squad than the one we took to the Euros.”

Hodgson was particularly impressed with those who also featured at the Olympics.

“I genuinely thought everyone did well. I would be hard pushed to criticise anyone, but it was nice to see Cleverley, Butland and Bertrand, who are fresh from Team GB.

“They brought enthusiasm with them and it was very useful for us in terms of our midfield play.”

The crowd inside the Wankdorf Stadium may have been sparse but it was a never-to-be-forgotten night for Cleverley.

“It was a proud moment, and obviously a big occasion in any footballer’s life. Hopefully, I have impressed the manager and can be called up again,” said the 23-year-old.

He will find out soon enough, with the first 2014 World Cup qualifiers, away to Moldova and at home to Ukraine, to come at the beginning of next month.