Hodgson confirms England bring in Liverpool sports psychologist to boost World Cup hopes

England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed he will use a sports psychologist in the lead-up to the World Cup - naming Dr Steve Peters as the man who will help prepare his players for the challenges in Brazil.
Peters, who has worked closely with Liverpool and has a long-standing relationship with England captain Steven Gerrard, will be involved with Hodgson's squad and the manager is pleased to have him on board.
'It is not just any psychologist,' he said. 'It is Dr Steve Peters, who is a very famous man in that area.
 
'He has a great CV of working in different sports and has been doing some work with Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers so Steve knows him well.
'It is something we have spoken about for some time but we wanted to get the right man - luckily Brendan let me talk to Steve and he has accepted our invitations so we are happy with that.'
Peters has also worked successfully with the Great Britain cycling team and five-time world snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Hodgson: We'll bring in psychologist to aid our Brazil chances

Endorsement: Steven Gerrard believes Dr Steve Peters can be a great success with the England players

Desperate: Luke Shaw is keen to make an impression on Roy Hodgson

Neat touch: Wayne Rooney juggles the ball during the training session at Enfield on Monday

Best of enemies: Leighton Baines and Ashley Cole (right) are battling for England's left back place

Gerrard gave his ringing endorsement for Peters, and revealed he first met him three years ago.
'I've been seeing him for three years now,' said Gerrard. 'First, when I had a groin problem and feared for my career in 2010. I saw him in a one-on-one situation and liked the work he did. I continued to see him and I've seen more of him since he's been connected with Liverpool.
'He can’t help you do a Cruyff turn better but he can help you to learn what goes on in your head and help with preparation.
'I didn’t know what was going on in my head before I worked with him. It works. He’s helped me with mental prep before games. I feel I’ve found my most consistent form since I’ve been seeing SP. I’m delighted the manager’s got him on board.'

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STURRIDGE ON DR PETERS

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge praised Dr Peters in an interview last October as he hit top form for his club.
'Steve had helped a lot in terms of mindset,' he told the Liverpool Echo.
'He's all about self-belief: don't go out there with the mentality of trying to do something, just let it happen.'
Peters made Sturridge give himself a mark out of 10 for his Liverpool performances so far.
The striker said: 'Steve told me to say high but I've never been one to be comfortable. I'm uncomfortable getting comfortable.
'I think, for my capacity as a footballer, I'd sat a seven out of 10. Probably even six - I'm being kind to myself saying a seven. I can do a lot better than I'm doing now.'

Hodgson also reacted to Kyle Walker's withdrawal from Wednesday's friendly at home to Denmark and confirmed Glen Johnson is now set to earn his 50th cap.
'It is unfortunate of course,' Hodgson said of Walker's hip injury.
'He hasn't played for the last two or three games and we were hoping he would recover but he needs at least another week before he will be fit to play.
'He was with us last night, we had a 'Brazil' meeting to put our plans forward.
'There aren't that many defenders so there is a good chance, if you insist I tell you Glen Johnson will get his 50th cap at right-back then I can say yes.'
Gerrard is joined in the England squad by Liverpool team-mates Johnson, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson and the skipper wants to see their club form relate into a good international showing if they are selected.

Still got it: Roy Hodgson gets involved while on the pitch in Enfield

'I think we have got five in the squad and everyone is in good form and feeling confident,' he said.
'If everyone is selected hopefully they can bring their performances tomorrow night. We are happy with where we are in the table.
'You have got to give credit to Brendan Rogers - if you are good enough he plays you. He is not scared and he has been paid back by them with top-class performances.'
Luke Shaw, meanwhile, knows he needs to make the most of his first England appearance to make the plane to Brazil.
Shaw only made his league debut last year for Southampton, but he looks set to earn his first England cap on Wednesday night against Denmark.
'If you get a chance you have to give everything and try and impress the manager,' Shaw told The FA's website. 'Hopefully I can do it this week.'