Roy Hodgson: 'Upcoming friendlies are vital'

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that the upcoming friendly matches are vital with the 2014 World Cup on the horizon.

Hodgson said that playing a good level of opposition in Chile and Germany will be valuable preparation ahead of the Brazil tournament next summer.

"We only have three games before I have to name the squad for Brazil, so these matches are important," he told reporters.

"We have two top-class opponents and have a huge amount of respect for Chile and Germany. Playing both at home is advantageous."

Hodgson has named Southampton's Jay Rodriguez in the squad to face Chile and Germany.