Worrying Times For England?

Last updated : 08 September 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

England will play their first competitive game since their winless run in Brazil tonight when they take on Switzerland at St Jakob-Park.

Supporters made their unhappiness clear last Wednesday when they stayed away in vast numbers for England's narrow friendly win over Norway, which came in front of just 40,181 people.

Pundits have lined up to question whether Roy Hodgson is the right man to lead England forward and polls have been conducted to gauge public sentiment about the 67-year-old's suitability for the role.

But Hodgson is unswayed by those casting judgement on him.

The fact is - when you win you are popular - and that goes for ALL managers.

Success brings popularity. It the law!

Roy Hodgson: "Popularity doesn't really mean much to me.

"There may have been a slight swing in popularity after the World Cup

"I'd have been surprised had there not been.

"I will have to live with external ideas and thoughts and accept them.

"The real support and popularity is with the group of players I work with."

Hodgson could be forced into a late change of plan after Jordan Henderson appeared to suffer an injury on the eve of England's Euro 2016 qualifier.

It is understood Henderson could not complete the full training session at St Jakob-Park on Sunday night and is therefore a doubt for Monday's game in Basle.

Should the Liverpool midfielder be ruled out, Hodgson will be left with just 18 players for the match - two of whom are goalkeepers.

England Euro 2016 qualification fixtures

•Monday Sep 8: Switzerland (A)
•Thursday Oct 9: San Marino (H)
•Sunday Oct 12: Estonia (A)
•Wednesday Nov 15: Slovenia (H)
•Friday March 27: Lithuania (H)
•Sunday June 14: Slovenia (A)
•Saturday September 5: San Marino (A)
•Tuesday September 8: Switzerland (H)
•Friday October 9: Estonia (H)
•Monday October 12: Lithuania (A)