Jay Rodriguez is a great price to get picked for Brazil 2014
Published:Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez may be less heralded than his St Mary’s counterparts Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, but he has a great chance of making the cut for England’s World Cup 2014 squad at 10/1.
Although Lambert is the only one of the trio to have appeared for the national side, his 31 years put him at a slight disadvantage for what should be a young England squad. However his record of two goals in three appearances ensure he is a serious contender for a place at 7/4.
Still, there does look to be more value in backing his colleagues to earn a World Cup place.
Lallana, has already received one call up from Roy Hodgson back in 2012. The dynamic midfielder will have further impressed the England manager, who was present at St Mary’s for Southampton’s win over Hull, to witness Lallana’s sensational goal and all-round stellar performance.
The Saints’ captain has been a key component of their tremendous start to the season and if he maintains his form, he looks a tempting price at 6/1 to be picked for Brazil.
However, it is up front where England find themselves shortest, which is why Rodriguez looks such an enticing offer.
With Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge all-but certain to travel to Brazil, at least one place remains open in the attacking department. As Andy Carroll remains injury stricken and Jermain Defoe struggling for starts at Tottenham, playing first team football will be of key importance.
With three goals in eight starts this season, Rodriguez has managed to establish himself as an important player for Saints, at the expense of record signing Dani Osvaldo and Gaston Ramirez.
Hodgson praised Rodriguez last week too, comparing him to Manchester United’s Welbeck. The wide forward role that Welbeck plays has become an important part of England’s game plan and having the option of a player of similar ilk as Rodriguez is, will surely be needed if England are to progress.
It is this versatility that could see Rodriguez make the trip to Rio.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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