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"He is a very, very exciting player. He has given one or two performances that have left quite an impression on me, not least of all when Arsenal played Milan at the Emirates and I was there live and saw how well he dealt with Pirlo and Ambrosini in the centre of midfield," Hodgson said at a media conference on Wednesday that was broadcast live on Sky Sports News HD.

SlavaMedvedenko wrote:Downing over Sturridge, Glen Johnson over Micah Richards, Parker over Carrick are really head scratching decisions.

How can an attacking player that went through an entire league campaign without injuries and ended up with 0 goals and 0 assists make an international squad is beyond me.

Boognish wrote:Does a 23 man roster seem small to anyone else? Why is there any cap at all?

I thought Carrick had one of his best seasons, seems odd that he's not in the picture.

I was kind of hoping Adam Johnson would get a look, had limited opportunities at City, but I'd rate him over Ox and Downing.

Micah Richards being continually omitted is strange too.

Ah well.

SlavaMedvedenko wrote:Carrick didn't even make the probables list, so don;t think he has a chance. Henderson is next in line if Parker can't make it.

Yes, Jordan Henderson.

Aside from Parker, whose participation remains in some doubt because of an Achilles problem, all are tried, tested and failed at an international tournament. Total victory aside, it will remain a regret that Paul Scholes, who has only four months in the tank and so probably among the fitter and less-fatigued players in the Premier League, will not be there to control the midfield. Even at 37 he has bested both Gerrard and Lampard this season, while his lieutenant in metronomic passing, Michael Carrick, did not even make the reserve list after his best season in four years.

Carrick had already booked his holidays in the self-knowledge that he has never been the type of player fancied by England managers. Meanwhile, the likes of Barry and James Milner are always trusted for a supposed dependability and versatility.

Another potential option, Michael Carrick, was not considered after the 30-year-old had asked not to be included if he was to play only a bit-part role. Carrick is effectively now retired from international football, though he would be available in extremis in future if required. "Michael had made it clear in the past he didn't want to be involved [as a fringe player]," Hodgson said. "As it is, I'd have to be convinced he was better than the four I've selected, and that he'd be happy to come out of retirement, if he was to be considered."