Jack Rodwell could struggle at Man City, says Roy Hodgson

Roy Hodgson has expressed his concern over the number of opportunities Jack Rodwell will be given at Manchester City this season.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder completed a £12m move from Everton to the Premier League champions on Sunday.

But the England manager envisages Rodwell struggling to hold down a regular spot in Roberto Mancini’s first-team, facing competition from the likes of Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Yaya Touré.

“I’ll be honest, I think this year there’ll be quite a few times I have to select players who won’t be in their team,” Hodgson said.

“I don’t know how many starts Jack Rodwell will get at Manchester City. That’s a risk, but it’s the nature of the Premier League.

“There are so few English players in the league, and many of them playing for the same club.”

City goalkeeper Joe Hart has pulled out of England’s friendly against Italy on Wednesday night with a back injury.

Hart’s withdrawal prompted Hodgson to bemoan England’s lack of depth in terms of goalkeepers, with the Three Lions boss calling up Jack Butland into his squad.

“The bottom line is we don’t have that many goalkeepers to choose from anymore,” added Hodgson.

“Go through the Premier League and see who’s playing in goal. It’s mostly foreigners.

“There’s Robert Green and John Ruddy. And there’s young Jack Butland, who has done very well but has only played for Cheltenham.

“Let’s hope someone like Jack pops up and puts Joe Hart under pressure.”

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