Former England manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that Tottenham defender Danny Rose continued to play with a pulled hamstring for his country last year.
Allardyce explained that Spurs, including manager Mauricio Pochettino, were not pleased after the 27-year-old played for the three Lions with an injury blow.
Rose picked up a hamstring blow during England’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in 2016 and didn’t inform the staff until after the game.
That was Allardyce’s sole game in charge of the national side and Adam Lallana’s 95th minute striker secured a dramatic 1-0 win.
Allardyce was asked on Sky Sports which England player surprised him the most during his short reign as national team manager and told the anecdote on Rose that left Pochettino mad.
“Danny Rose at left-back because he pulled a hamstring and never said anything until after the game had finished,” Allardyce told Sky Sports. “Which wasn’t very pleasing for Tottenham and Mr Pochettino as I know, but for me that showed real character.”
Rose went on to miss six games for Spurs following his hamstring knock and the left-back has been unfortunate with injuries recently.
The left-back has not played for the North London club since January because of a knee injury, but fortunately Pochettino has been able to turn to Welshman Ben Davies.
OPINION
Clubs always fear for their players during the international breaks and Rose did come back last year with an injury that kept him out of action for a significant spell. However, you have to admire the left-back’s willingness to continue playing for England and there are several players that should look to show the same fight when representing their country. Spurs make up a strong core of the national side and are going to play an important part moving forward. Rose will hope to return from his long lay-out soon and he certainly has the qualities to make a big impact next year at the World Cup.