England captain Steven Gerrard thinks tonight’s match against Ukraine is an excellent chance for the younger generation to prove themselves on the big stage.
England have suffered a series of injuries heading into the match which was made worse by the news in-form striker Daniel Sturridge will also be sitting on the side-lines with a thigh strain.
With Daniel Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Steven Caulker and Glen Johnson all ruled out, Hodgson has called up Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend to the squad for the crucial match against Ukraine.
And Gerrard, who has achieved 104 caps for England, thinks the new players can cement a place in Roy Hodgson’s plans.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the new players. These are the games that get a lot of attention and if you perform well individually you get an awful lot of credit."
Gerrard made only his sixth cap when England triumphed with that unforgettable 5-1 victory of Germany in Munich and the Liverpool skipper thinks player can emulate his success.
“For me, Germany away was maybe similar to the position those lads are in now," He told Sky Sports.
"I was a young age with little experience, and we were playing away from home in a very important qualifier.
"I managed to get a goal and play well that night. It certainly propelled me on at international level.”
Rickie Lambert is set to make only his second start in tonight’s game having scored two in two for the Three Lions.
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