Hodgson set to make changes

Hodgson and his players made their final journey out of Krakow on Monday afternoon after their elimination from EURO 2012.

The pain was still etched in their faces as they came to terms with yet another penalty shoot-out defeat, this time to Italy, even if there was also an acceptance victory would have been undeserved.

After a whirlwind start to his England career, Hodgson does not have much time to relax.

First he is heading to Brazil on a fact-finding mission ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, then he will be keeping a close eye on the younger players named in Stuart Pearce's squad for this northern summer's Olympics.

And before the closing ceremony at London 2012, Hodgson will have named a squad for the friendly with Italy, which is being played in Bern because Wembley is unavailable.

Asked whether the future direction of his side involved revolution or evolution, Hodgson confirmed that in August, at least, the former will apply.

"You will definitely see some revolution there because that game is going to be the ideal opportunity for me to look at some players who weren't with us here and maybe feel they should have been," he said.

"I want to see if they can add to the quality of our team."

Hodgson will be wanting to check on the fitness of Kyle Walker, Chris Smalling and Jack Wilshere for definite.

Midfield duo Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley may also come into the frame, while it is possible those who had only limited game time this northern summer, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson, or none at all like Phil Jones and Martin Kelly, will be offered an opportunity to impress.

In addition, Adam Johnson and Daniel Sturridge were on Hodgson's standby list for Poland and Ukraine, while Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, who has just signed a four-year contract with the Canaries, was forced to pull out after breaking a finger on the first day of training.

Hodgson's priority will be to get a working knowledge of as many players as possible before he names his squad for the opening World Cup qualifiers, in Moldova on 7 September and Euro 2012 foe Ukraine at Wembley four days later.

"By the time we get to those qualifiers I will have to mix together what I've seen of the players who were here and what I've seen of the other players from the Premier League," he said.

"At all costs, we have to retain the two elements this tournament has given us, our defensive discipline, organisation and teamwork and the desire to be part of an England team, to really go the extra mile to be able to wear the shirt.

"The next question is then can we improve the quality within our team.

"That's something we'll have to work at. I'm rather hoping one or two players will knock so hard on my door that they prove to be the right ones."

Skipper Steven Gerrard has already declared his intention to continue his international career for another two years and Hodgson is not expecting Chelsea duo Ashley Cole and John Terry to turn their backs either.

The situation with Terry is clearly more complicated as he must face a court case on 9 July to defend himself against a racially-aggravated public order offence, something the defender strenuously denies.

Terry was outstanding against Italy and Hodgson expects both the Chelsea captain, and Cole, just two caps short of his century but devastated to miss a vital penalty in the shootout, to make themselves available next term.

"I'd certainly be very disappointed if they weren't (available)," said Hodgson.

"They've given me every reason to believe they're very anxious to continue.

"They were two of the real success stories of the tournament.

"I've not even thought of asking whether they will continue.

"They would have to knock me over with a feather if they came to me and said 'I'm not'."