West Bromwich(WBA) vs Arsenal preview - Hodgson "best man for England" - Downing
Posted Sunday, May 13, 2012 by PA
Keith Downing believes new England coach Roy Hodgson has improved the quality and performance level of every West Brom player during his 15 months in charge at the Hawthorns.
Hodgson will bring down the curtain on his spell with the Baggies at Sunday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Champions League-chasing Arsenal.
Albion number two Downing feels Hodgson is the ideal appointment for England on the evidence of his work in establishing West Brom in the top flight.
Downing said: "Roy has brought structure, discipline, organisation, just a purpose to every day that he trains.
"You hear people talking about 'is it laborious, is it too drilled?'
"But I'm sure any player at this football club will say the moment Roy walked in he has improved their performance individually and collectively as a unit.
"Every time we go out on the field there is a purpose to our play. There are no grey areas. People know exactly how they should play. He makes you a better player.
"If you are a proper footballer and listen on a daily basis, you can't help but improve and that will apply with England as well."
Downing added: "In my opinion, Roy is the best man for England. I haven't worked with Harry Redknapp but I know what Roy will bring them.
"I'm sure England will go into each game with a structure and a game plan.
"Obviously football is down to players but he will give them the best chance to win those games."
Downing is hopeful Albion can give Hodgson a winning send-off but knows the Gunners will be highly motivated given what is at stake for Arsene Wenger's side.
He said: "It's Arsenal, they have some quality all through the team and we respect that, but equally we are in a good run ourselves.
"We are four games undefeated and have done well at home.
"We've only lost one in the last five at home. We are confident and want to make it a good send off for Roy and the supporters."
Albion striker Peter Odemwingie is fit after recovering from a hamstring injury but winger Jerome Thomas (virus) is likely to be unavailable.
Wenger feels third place in the Barclays Premier League would be just reward for his squad's strength.
Given the disastrous start to the domestic campaign which saw four defeats from seven matches - including a humiliating 8-2 thrashing at Manchester United - to even be in this position is an achievement in itself.
Despite both Tottenham and Arsenal being able to point to opportunities missed to have already sewn up third place ahead of what is set to be a nail-biting final day, Wenger feels the way his squad responded through such times is testament to their character.
"It will be a great achievement if we manage to do it. I believe it would be reward for a group which has exceptional strength," Wenger told Arsenal Player.
"They have come through some difficult times, always recovered and always battled. Therefore I will be extremely delighted when we do it."
The French boss added: "There is even more uncertainty because fourth place is not this time necessarily in the Champions League.
"Let's make sure we finish third and win our game - that is the only answer we can give.
"To do that of course you need a full, committed performance from everybody.
"On that front I am quite sure we will get that from our players and then we will have a very good chance to do it."
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