England manager Roy Hodgson has blasted the England fans who signed an online petition to have Tom Cleverley omitted from England's 23-man squad to Brazil and praised the midfielder's performances for the Three Lions.
The Change.org movement against Cleverley's inclusion was initiated by one Glenn McConnell from Blackpool following his disappointing performances for the Red Devils this season, and so far the petition has garnered over 11000 fans.
McConnell claims: "Tom Cleverley, owner of 13 England caps, six more than Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana and Leon Osman combined, has been regularly selected by Roy Hodgson in his squads without possessing any genuine qualities whatsoever."
"We believe for the reputation of this proud footballing nation that he should be prevented from participating in this summer's international showcase.”
"Whilst England are considered to disappoint at major tournaments, further embarrassment could be avoided by not having his inept performances undermine the rest of the team's efforts."
However, the England coach is not impressed nor moved by the petitioners, and has unequivocally stated that the midfielder has done "a lot of good" for the Three Lions.
"That petition does not impress me, I must admit,'' snapped the England boss.
"I'm disappointed that Tom, as a sensitive young man, has got to bear that burden, but I know one thing - he will come through it and when he does come through it and Manchester United start winning again, and he's starting to get praise for his performances, he'll be stronger for it."
"The fact is Tom Cleverley, from the moment the Euros ended, has been a part of the England set-up, he's played some very good games for us, he's been a very useful member of our group."
"Quite frankly, I saw no reason, when selecting a larger group of players here (for the Denmark game), to leave him out of the team because, perhaps at this moment in time, his team isn't doing well and he's receiving criticism for it."
"So as far as I'm concerned, Tom Cleverley deserves to be in this group of 30. He's done an awful lot of good for us."
As things stand, Tom 'sideways' Cleverley may well play in the Feb 5th friendly against Denmark at Wembley.
