IF GRAHAM Taylor's head was turned into a turnip and Terry Venables' was trapped in a noose, Glenn Hoddle's should now be sprinkled with stardust, writes NEIL BRAMWELL.

So many plus points came out of last night's game against Italy.

The passion and commitment was exemplary, although that has rarely been lacking.

Hoddle, at long last, has also drummed into his players the crucial international discipline of keeping the ball.

Only Stuart Pearce is still content merely with punting the hot potato as far and as high as possible.

In addition, Le Tournoi has provided Hoddle with a chance to analyse his strength in depth and the knockers of the tournament are now strangely silent.

You will not find any English, or Italian players for that matter, moaning that their season has been extended for next year's World Cup.

But this chance for experimentation also has a down side. This is the perfect opportunity for Hoddle to find a settled side and capitalise on the confidence flowing through the squad.

Perhaps the thinking behind so many changes last night was to keep the lacklustre Italians guessing for the World Cup qualifier in Rome in October.

But the best international sides are built on stability and surely it would have been better for Paul Scholes to learn to play with Alan Shearer than with Ian Wright, however well the Arsenal striker performed.

The Italians had just one change from February at Wembley, Paulo Maldini forced out through injury.

England were only recognisable because of the three lions on their shirts.

Even if that means leaving fringe players like Tim Flowers frustrated on the sidelines, then that is a sacrifice worth making.

Hoddle even contradicted his own policy by bringing on Paul Gascoigne in an intriguing psychological stroke.

An England side with Gascoigne and Paul Ince have never lost and the manager was clearly intent on cementing that bond despite Gascoigne's injury doubts.

There is also little to be gained by tinkering with a now tried and almost tested tactical format of 3-5-2 with Sheringham and Shearer leading the attack.

What must have been evident to Hoddle from last night's game is that there are far better options than David Beckham.

His dead ball delivery has died a death and his passes may have the Hoddle hallmark but they rarely find their target.

It is all well and good blooding young players when the chance arises, but not to the point of bloody-mindedness.

On a final note of caution - no, stuff it - we're going to win the World Cup....

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