Wednesday 25 March 2015 12:51, UK
Roy Hodgson's willingness to compromise on Raheem Sterling will help England in the long run, Gerry Francis told the Morning View.
Liverpool winger Sterling joined up with Hodgson's squad earlier this week and is widely expected to start Friday night's European Qualifier against Lithuania.
But a toe injury has been bothering the 20-year-old in recent weeks, and he could return to Merseyside before next week's friendly against Italy in Turin.
Hodgson's relationship with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has come under scrutiny twice in recent months: firstly when Daniel Sturridge suffered a serious thigh injury in training with England and again when he revealed Sterling was too tired to train ahead of a qualifier in Estonia.
And former England captain Francis, who has experience of coaching at international and Premier League level, reckons Hodgson is right to accommodate club bosses where possible.
"It's really important for Roy to have a rapport with managers," Francis said. "If he can give and take along the way that helps him.
"I've been in both camps - I've done a bit with England U19s and been a Premier League manager for a number of years. I wouldn't want to stop any player playing for their country, because I know what that meant to me, although you worry about your players when they go."
Alan Curbishley also backed Hodgson's "give and take" approach, saying: "I think Roy has great communication with all the managers in the Premier League.
"We've got to remember the Sturridge situation - I don't suppose he'd want to get in that situation again. Brendan Rodgers and the medical staff at Liverpool have obviously briefed Roy - so play fair.
"The Lithuania game is the big game, and that's why you're going to see changes in the second game."
