GLENN Hoddle yesterday credited some of England's World Cup qualification success to controversial faith healer Eileen Drewery.
Hoddle has been criticised for using Drewery with the England squad but he insisted she had played her part during the qualifying stages. ''It's a very personal thing but it's one that works,'' Hoddle said. ''Anybody who sees her will gain whether it's a physical or mental problem.
''Three-quarters of the group have been seeing her for 18 months. Many players have gone back between England games for healing so the proof is there.
''I've seen two players from Swindon whose careers have been saved. There's no two ways about it. She has got many other gifts and attributes. But her physical healing at the time was her gift.''
However, Hoddle admitted England's World Cup fate would be decided by the playing staff - and he can foresee a very bright future thanks to Manchester United's youth policy.
''I think we've got players with flair who can create as well as players who can balance off that,'' added Hoddle. ''David Beckham can pass long and short and he sees things early. He has got a lot to learn still and can improve. Paul Scholes is a tremendous little player and is going to be a great asset to us.''
Hoddle explained his decision to include veteran Ian Wright ahead of 25-goal Andy Cole: ''Sometimes you feel Andy needs to get four or five chances before he scores. At international level you only get one or two if you are lucky.
''Andy's movement is excellent, Ian is the best mover off the ball I have seen in England.''
The England manager also sounded a World Cup warning to Paul Gascoigne in light of his well-documented exploits recently. ''I want to give Paul an opportunity to learn and open his mind a little bit and see what he can achieve,'' said Hoddle.
''I think he is falling back a little bit now to be honest. I've had words with him and I'll have more words with him. But at the end of the day Paul is Paul and I know in our first session he'll be giving it the full Monty.
''He's not 100% fit so I can't say at this time he's 100% in the squad. Certain things worry me but there are certain things I see that show he's still got the genius in him.''
Hoddle added that he knew the nucleus of his side for the opening game of the tournament against Tunisia on June 15.
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