Roy Hodgson wants Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City players released early

England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he would like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City to follow Chelsea's lead of releasing their Three Lions players early.

Hodgson's side face the Republic of Ireland and Brazil in summer friendlies but players from Spurs and City will return after playing in overseas friendly tournaments, while the Blues will allow Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill to leave their tour of the United States early.

"We are grateful for that," Hodgson told Sky Sports News. "It would be nice if Man City do the same. I don't know whether they can.

"It would also be nice if, for the game in the Bahamas, maybe the couple of Tottenham players that are in the squad didn't have to play and had the chance to rest up.

"Of course, I don't get to make those decisions. That will depend on the club coaches. But they could certainly do us a favour if they wanted to."

The Three Lions will take on the Republic of Ireland on May 29.