GLENN HODDLE will this morning risk the wrath of women's groups and some football critics by including Paul Gascoigne in his squad for England's World Cup qualifier in Georgia.

Questions have been raised about the appropriateness of allowing Gascoigne to represent his country, especially abroad, following allegations that he had beaten up his wife Sheryl two weeks ago.

But after lengthy discussions, including a final meeting yesterday between Hoddle, the Football Association chairman Keith Wiseman and its chief executive Graham Kelly, it was agreed to back the England coach's decision to pick the errant Rangers midfielder for the game on November 9th.

Several factors are said to have persuaded Hoddle not to allow Gascoigne's private affairs to influence what is considered to be a footballing decision. Sources close to Hoddle say that the coach's main concern has always been for Gascoigne and his family, and he had noted that no one, including Sheryl Gascoigne, had complained to the police about the alleged incident.

Second, it is understood that Hoddle's discussions with Gascoigne and others close to him have presented a more complicated picture surrounding the allegations than originally surfaced. Third, Gascoigne is reported to be seeking professional help.

However, even an explanation of all these factors when the squad is announced in London this morning is unlikely to silence critics of the decision to include Gascoigne.

Julie Bindel, spokeswoman for an international conference on violence and abuse against women, said yesterday: "I would very much object to him being given any elevated public position after this. Glenn Hoddle would be giving a message out to other players that he doesn't take it seriously. To take this attitude to domestic violence is to minimise the effect it has on women and deny the fact that it's a criminal act by someone who is a public figure and a role model for boys and young men."

Sandra Horley, chief executive of the women's rights campaigners Refuge, agreed. "He doesn't seem to have a genuine, desire to alter his behaviour or publicly acknowledge that it's wrong for any man to hit his wife under any circumstances," she said.

"He's a national hero and a role model for youngsters and if it is true that Gazza beat up his wife, then sending him to represent England overseas can only give the impression that wife beating is acceptable in the UK."

The decision to include Gascoigne was taken after lengthy talks between the parties concerned, with Hoddle speaking on numerous occasions to the player, his Rangers manger Walter Smith and other close associates.

It was never a case of the FA imposing a decision on Hoddle even though they possess that ultimate power. As Hoddle conducted his detailed investigations into Gascoigne's form, fitness, state of mind and the allegations against the player, he based regularly with Wiseman.

It might also be argued that the critics are once again picking on Gascoigne. Nobody has condemned the inclusion in the England squad of Arsenal's Paul Merson. His wife Lorraine recently revealed that the day after England's last game against Poland the pair had a blazing row with the reforming alcoholic. "He said he'd kill me," she claimed. "I went cold with shock because I realised he could be like this when he was sober. I couldn't believe the old monster was back. I can't cope with the fear of him hitting me again."