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From the Lion's Den: June 24th

The end is nigh, can England end it on a high?

Smalling and Shaw are set to make their World Cup debut against Costa Rica later tonight. Photo credit
Smalling and Shaw are set to make their World Cup debut against Costa Rica later tonight. Photo credit
Richard Heathcote
Changes all around for England

Nope we're not talking about Roy Hodgson's job here, but he is set to name a drastically different line-up against Costa Rica, as England seeks a win in their final game in Brazil.

Six years to rebuild

Hodgson also admitted that it could take a while for England to show dividends from the current crop of young talents they have on board. How long exactly?

"We just hope the next two, four to six years will bring some dividends."

Gerrard optimistic for youth

Skipper Steven Gerrard believes though the disappointment of the current World Cup will stay with the youngsters, it won't scar them. England's youngsters have "character" and "wants to stay at this level for a long time" he adds.

Smalling also optimistic

Chris Smalling also shares his captain's view, believing that England have a good squad to build from heading to the Euro qualifiers. The 24-year old could make his World Cup debut later.

Roy's advice for Gary

Roy Hodgson has also urged Gary Neville to continue on as a pundit and England coach, and not to jump straight into club management.

Hodgson happy if Lampard carry on

Midfielder Frank Lampard will be England's skipper for the night in what could be his last game, but Hodgson said he will be "more than happy" should Lampard continues with his England career.

Defoe insist he never avoid duty

Amidst Harry Redknapp's claim that several players did not want to play for England while he was in charge at White Hart Lane, Jermain Defoe insists he have always made himself available for national team duty.