FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Former England World Cup hero Alan Ball believes England boss Glenn Hoddle is wrong to leave Southampton star Matthew Le Tissier out of his plans for next month’s finals in France. Le Tissier, 29, has been omitted by Hoddle from the squad for the Wembley clash with Saudi Arabia on Saturday despite scoring a hat-trick for England B against their Russian counterparts last month. “I can’t believe Glenn has left him out. I find it a very surprising decision,”   said former Saints boss Ball, now back at first division Portsmouth.

“At that level on the big stage you need players like Le Tissier involved. If anyone is going to provide you with a killer pass or produce that bit of skill to give you a goal, it’s him.”  There’s no reason why Matt shouldn’t have been given a licence to roam at international level-I would have had him on the bench at the very least.

“If you’re under pressure with a free kick 20 yards out there’s nobody better in the country.”