England boss Roy Hodgson to rest Liverpool stars, infuriating top four rivals

Liverpool’s players will not feature for England in their upcoming friendly against Italy, according the the Daily Mirror.

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Liverpool have played more games than the rest of their top four rivals this season after runs to the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup along with a gruelling European schedule, and the England boss has reportedly spoken to his staff about the possibility of leaving the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Adam Lallana in the UK when his side fly out to Turin.

The news is sure to please Brendan Rodgers, who blames Hodgson for two separate Daniel Sturridge injuries, and Liverpool fans, who have not yet fully forgiven him for his disastrous time in charge of the Reds.

Hodgson, who is mindful that Liverpool play Arsenal on the Saturday lunchtime after the England game, is happy to use the Italy game to look at some of his fringe players.

Those players include the Southampton trio of Bertrand, Clyne and Forster – all of whom are expected to be part of Roy’s 23 man squad, though it’s thought there will be no place for Ward-Prowse.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane is favourite to get the nod over Rickie Lambert and Rob Green could return, but there will be no place for Spurs’ Ryan Mason or Danny Rose.