Brooking: Time is of the essence

Sir Trevor Brooking accepts new England manager Roy Hodgson would probably have liked more time to prepare for Euro 2012 - but is in no doubt the players will know just what is expected of them when they tackle France in Donetsk on June 11.

Hodgson will meet up with the squad for the first time in Manchester on Wednesday afternoon, having allowed players to take a short break. Chelsea's John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill - plus stand-by player Daniel Sturridge - have been given extra time off after the Blues' Champions League final victory.

"Roy is an experienced coach, but I am sure if you asked him he would say he wanted longer in the job to prepare the side," said Brooking.

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