Litmanen was Hodgson’s captain during Finland’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and the striker has been his nation’s talisman over the past decade, earning 110 caps and scoring 28 goals along the way.
On the domestic scene Litmanen started his career with Reipas in Finland’s premier division before enjoying great success with Ajax, winning four Dutch titles, three domestic Cups and a European Cup in the Club’s famous number 10 shirt.
Litmanen went on to represent Barcelona and Liverpool. During his time on Merseyside the Finnish playmaker achieved a cup treble with the Reds in 2001, winning the Worthington Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.
A return to Ajax followed before more recent spells with Bundesliga side Hansa Rostock and Swedish side Malmo FF.