FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Stuart Pearce and Andy Cole Tuesday had their World Cup dreams shattered by England boss Glenn Hoddle on Tuesday. But Dion Dublin and Darren Anderton were named by Hoddle in the squad for the last three games of his build-up to the finals in France this summer.

And despite the injury set-backs which have dogged him this season, Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has also been given the chance to prove his fitness and claim a berth in the final 22. Hoddle began the pruning process ahead of his final selection as he unveiled a 30-man squad for next week’s Wembley friendly with Saudi Arabia and the Hassan II International Cup competition against Morocco and Belgium.

That selection ended the World Cup road for Pearce and Cole as well as Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman, Dominic Matteo of Liverpool and Arsenal’s Ray Parlour.

Matthew Le Tissier discovered that his hat-trick for England B against Russia last month was not enough to keep him in the frame and there was no late call for Everton’s Nick Barmby either. But while there will be despair for those left out, the players included in Tuesday’s squad will know they are just one step away from a place in France.

For Anderton, history appears to be repeating itself in the best possible way.

Two years ago the Spurs winger was out for seven months before returning to action for the final three games of the campaign which preceded Euro 96 in which he was a fixture in Terry Venables’ team. Until last month, when he joined up with the full side ahead of the game with Portugal before playing in the B match, Anderton had not even trained under Hoddle but he has now completed two matches for Spurs and appears to be on course for the 22.

Of those missing out Pearce, at 36, must know his international career is now effectively over while Cole will be desperately unhappy to discover 25 goals this season have not earned him a place in the final 30.

The striking berth he would have hoped to fill has instead gone to Dublin while Ian Wright has also proved himself fit to take his place in the provisional squad.

Redknapp seemed a doubt after sustaining an injury in a challenge from Dublin against Coventry three weeks ago and he will have to prove to Hoddle that he is fit when he arrives to join up with the England squad next week ahead of the Wembley clash against the Saudis.

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