Terry to miss Italy friendly

Terry is free to play in the friendly with Italy in Berne on August 15 despite being charged by England's Football Association for using racially abusive language during that infamous clash with Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road in October.

However, Hodgson, mindful of Terry's Community Shield commitments with Chelsea at Villa Park this weekend, has decided to look at alternatives to the former England skipper, with Chelsea team-mate Gary Cahill amongst those set to be included.

In fact, Hodgson will not pick any of his Euro 2012 back-four, so Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott and Glen Johnson also miss out.

That points to Phil Jagielka and Kyle Walker being included, in addition to a first call-up for Ryan Bertrand, who has impressed on Olympic duty with Great Britain and will probably come in as defensive cover for Leighton Baines.

It is not anticipated captain Steven Gerrard will be part of an experimental squad either.

As Tottenham's Scott Parker is injured, it points towards the inclusions of Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley, who would have made his debut against the Netherlands 12 months ago had the game not been postponed due to the London riots.

If Gerrard does miss out, Wayne Rooney is the probable captain if Hodgson feels the Manchester United forward would benefit from the game after disappointing in Ukraine at EURO 2012.

Mindful the timing of this fixture is hardly ideal just a matter of days before the new Premier League campaign begins, Hodgson and assistant Ray Lewington have spoken to a number of managers to assure them they will look after their players.

The game is the last chance Hodgson will have to assess the merits of his fringe men prior to England's opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova on September 7.

And assistant Gary Neville believes supporters should not expect too much against an Italy outfit likely to be without playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who did such damage during England's Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat in Kiev seven weeks ago.

"You have to consider what you want out of a game," said Neville. "We are at the end of pre-season, the league is just about to start and we have three days to prepare, so you are not going to get a perfect performance.

"Also I am not quite sure it will have an effect on the Moldova game.

"I played in a lot of England friendlies when the result wasn't backed up in the competitive matches afterwards.

"What we need is a good quality performance to keep the momentum going.

"We are unbeaten so far in terms of normal football and are developing a squad that can take the country towards the World Cup."