England boss, Roy Hodgson praised the performance of young Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley in his side’s 2-1 victory over Italy.
Making his first ever appearance for the Three Lions, the 23 year old operated in the sometimes thankless role, behind the striker. But impressed often finding pockets of space and proving a useful outlet for an improved England.
Cleverley was singled out by the 62 year old who spoke to the Daily Mail, “We know he’s a good player, and he’s a very, very important player for Man United.
“Last year we were very unlucky to lose him early and we’ve been very pleased to see him back in form so early.”
As the former Fulham manager alluded to, last season the midfielder’s progress was severely hampered by injury, after he had made an impressive early first team breakthrough.
An England team based largely on players not involved in the country’s Euro 2012 campaign managed a 2-1 victory over a young Italian side. A diving header from Phil Jagielka and a powerful strike from substitute Jermain Defoe eradicated Daniele De Rossi’s opener.
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