Hodgson aims to make things fun

It is unfair for Hodgson to be made accountable for football's failings.

However, in the afterglow of an Olympics in which Great Britain won - and occasionally lost - with dignity, it is easy to draw comparisons with the snarling image of the national game.

It is hard to imagine any prospective Olympian turning down the opportunity to compete, even if it meant anxiously waiting on standby in case someone dropped out.

Yet that is what Hodgson encountered prior to EURO 2012, when Micah Richards said no.

Michael Carrick opted out too, although the uncertainty surrounding the Manchester United man's non-selection has been resolved to the extent he is now back within the Three Lions fold.

Hodgson wants to stop it happening in the future.

And for that, he needs players to enjoy the England experience.

"We've got to try to make sure playing for England is an enjoyable experience," said Hodgson.

"You can't expect players to want to play somewhere where they don't feel welcome or it's not worthwhile.

"Playing for England should be enough of an honour. In my opinion it is.

"If you are selected for England and say no, you can expect people to say they don't understand.

"It has a diminishing effect. Most football fans grow up wanting the chance to play for England. It's difficult to understand when people don't want it.

"But I am not going to force anyone to play for us. I'm going to make it attractive and hope that is motivation enough."

Given the reservations about Richards' tactical knowledge extend beyond a single coach, Carrick's was the more damaging absence in Poland and Ukraine.

More frustrating still was the refusal of Ben Foster to end his international exile, even though Hodgson felt as his manager at West Bromwich Albion, he would be able to talk the goalkeeper round.

It was a hefty blow as Hodgson's options are evidently not great.

With Joe Hart ruled out by a back injury, England is set to have one uncapped player - John Ruddy - starting and another - Jack Butland - also hoping to be involved at some stage.

"The bottom line is we don't have that many goalkeepers to choose from any more," said Hodgson.

"Go through the Premier League and see who's playing in goal. It's mostly foreigners.

"There's Robert Green and John Ruddy. And there's young Jack Butland, who has done very well but has only played for Cheltenham.

"Let's hope someone like Jack pops up and puts Joe Hart under pressure."

After Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hodgson lost another Arsenal player as Theo Walcott was ruled out with a bruised thigh.

England travelled to Berne for its EURO 2012 quarter-final rematch with Italy with just 19 players though as, with a maximum of six substitutes available, Hodgson had enough players already and wants a chance to watch as many as he can.

Of particular interest will be Gary Cahill, who missed EURO 2012 through injury, and Carrick.

There has been an air of confusion around the Manchester United man's reluctance to play for England.

It dates back to his experience at the 2010 FIFA World Cup when he went to South Africa knowing that Fabio Capello did not fancy him much, and duly went home without being involved for a single minute.

Hodgson's assistant Gary Neville has assured Carrick that situation does not exist with the present regime even though no guarantees can be offered.

Carrick has accepted that position without reservation, with Hodgson conceding the midfielder would have been a very useful option in Poland and Ukraine when, as Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker tired, he had only the inexperience of Jordan Henderson to call on in reserve.

"He had reasons, perhaps, maybe personal reasons, I don't know," said the England boss.

"I prefer to leave the past where it is.

"I know Michael Carrick is a good player. I know he can be useful in an England set-up. That's enough for me.

"I'll take it at face value."