Liverpool's defender missed training at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium earlier but was in the group that arrived at the stadium.

However, Johnson lasted only a matter of minutes before he headed down the tunnel for further treatment on what was described as "a minor injury" by the FA.

The Manchester United forward, who is currently recovering from a minor toe problem, must watch from the sidelines as Roy Hodgson's men take on France and then Sweden after being punished for a red card when he kicked Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in October.

While the 26-year-old, who netted 27 English Premier League goals, will return for what could be a crunch showdown with host Ukraine in Donetsk on June 19, Keane believes keeping the player focused will be the biggest battle.

"English and Irish players are the same, I don't think we are good at hanging around hotels and training camps in the middle of nowhere," said former Manchester United captain Keane, who will be at Euro 2012 as part of ITV Sport's media panel.

"I have experienced that myself as a player, at club level as well, when you go away pre-season for a couple of weeks.

"I think the big problem Wayne will have is the boredom, mentally trying to build up for a game, but he will be fresh and will give England something a bit different - unless England win their first two matches I imagine he will be straight into the team."

Keane, 40, was sent home from the 2002 FIFA World Cup after a bust-up with then Ireland manager Mick McCarthy over the training facilities in Saipan, and appreciates just what a goldfish bowl foreign base camps can be.

"As you get older you might be married and have kids, you might appreciate the peace and quiet, but Wayne is still young, he's pretty active, mentally," said Keane.

"Roy Hodgson will have to manage that, get the balance right what he does on the training pitch, he has to keep sharp, but without overdoing it or getting irritated.

"There are plusses and minuses, sometimes players come back fresh, but it is not as if Wayne can feel his way into the tournament, it's 'you have to produce today'. As good as a player he is, that is difficult."

Given the off-field issues which have overshadowed what was a largely positive qualification campaign for England, expectations of success this northern summer are somewhat subdued.

Keane said: "You would expect them to get out of the group, I just don't expect them to win it, despite who the manager might be and I would have been saying that if [Fabio] Capello was still there.

"England have good players, but I expect them to come up short again like they have in the past.

"I am not dismissing England, they could be the surprise package, but I am not expecting too much from them."

Bent suffered EURO 2012 heartbreak when he failed to recover from ankle ligament problems in time for when Hodgson announced his squad a week ago.

But the Aston Villa player, who was also not selected for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, has been reassured about his international future during a phone call from Hodgson.

Bent said: "Roy rang me and told me he couldn't pick me for the Euros because I hadn't played any games and so he couldn't take the chance of taking me to a tournament.

"I've had three phone calls now to tell me I wouldn't be going to various tournaments but Roy's was the best and he was understanding and really good with me on the phone.

"He said to me that I would be part of the qualifiers (for the World Cup).

"My aim now is to perform well for Villa next season and then hopefully I will be picked by England as well."

Bent is determined to put his disappointment at not being part of the squad for Poland and Ukraine behind him.

He said: "Training the next day after I found out was hard. The fitness guy at Villa even told me I looked a bit demotivated.

"It was hard to take initially but now it's about bouncing back and moving on."

Portugal forward Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford and would like to have seen Ferdinand in Ukraine and Poland.

Ronaldo said: "Rio is the best centre-back in England and still one of the best in the world. I don't understand why he is not in the national team.

"Maybe the coach has justifications and we have to respect those. But I have to be honest, I love Rio.

"He's a great player, great man and he should be in the national team because he would help England do well... maybe to win the tournament," Ronaldo told The Sun.

Despite the absence of Ferdinand there is still a good chance of success for England at the tournament, according to Ronaldo.

"I always expect England to win a big tournament," he added.

"England have some of the best players in the world and are always tough opponents for any team.

"I hope England do well in the Euros because I have a lot of friends there. It is a country I like a lot. I expect big things for England, the new coach and the country."

Ex-Manchester United defender Neville has become part of Hodgson's backroom staff ahead of Euro 2012, penning a four-year deal.

The 37-year-old, capped 85 times for England, became the Manchester United skipper after Keane's departure from Old Trafford in 2005, going on to lift the Premier League twice.

Neville has divided opinion in his role as media pundit for Sky Sports, drawing criticism for some forthright views - including claiming Chelsea defender David Luiz had played like he was controlled by "a 10-year-old on a PlayStation".

Keane, 40, feels his old team-mate will take to a coaching role, but on very much of a steep learning curve.

"It is important you are yourself. Gary can talk, but don't think for one minute he was as influential in the dressing room as people might think he was," said former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane, who will be part of ITV Sport's media team at Euro 2012.

"Gary would say his piece, but he wasn't running the show far, from it so don't think for one minute he will be going into England and calling the shots.

"He will be learning his trade and being a link between the manager and the players and I think he will be good at that."

Keane added: "It is a good appointment, but let's see how it pans out.

"Just like with anyone who is appointed to any job, only time will tell.

"He has not done any coaching before, I know he has done his coaching qualifications, but sitting in a studio talking about teams is very different. "There is no point building them up too much and there is no point knocking them either. Give the man a chance."

Keane believes Neville could find it difficult juggling roles on and off the pitch.

"I am surprised he has kept his role with doing TV, that can be difficult," said the former Sunderland and Ipswich manager.

"You can get your way around criticising players by saying: 'I would expect the player to do better'.

"He probably won't be as critical as me and speak in the terms I do. I know Gareth does it, but he's not on the dressing room, he's not on the training pitch, he's not working with the players.

"Hopefully he will do well. Gary is a decent guy and he has played at a decent level, but that doesn't guarantee you success."

Former England midfielder Gareth Southgate will also be on the ITV panel at Euro 2012.

The 41-year-old is currently the Football Association's head of elite development, working alongside Sir Trevor Brooking at the new St George's Park hub.

Southgate, who had a spell as Middlesbrough manager from 2006 to 2009, believes a delicate balance between criticism and analysis is needed when working in the media.

He said: "You are conscious that people would like to see you fall over so you've got a responsibility whenever you talk on television. It is easy to have an opinion without responsibility.

"It is similar to coaching. When mistakes happen you'd call your players in talk through it and highlight what went wrong. You wouldn't necessarily crucify them for doing that.

"You are trying to explain what has happened and how you could improve and what they could do differently and try to keep their confidence at the same time."

Southgate - who famously missed a penalty in the Euro '96 shoot-out defeat to Germany at Wembley - added: "I don't find it a problem, if ITV wanted someone to come on and did a hatchet job on people then fine, but there is no point in bringing in me.

"I know how hard it is to play and especially how hard it is to manage."

The former West Bromwich Albion manager attracted a lot of criticism for leaving out defender Ferdinand, who has been in fine form for Manchester United this season.

Although the 33-year-old has been struggling with a long-standing back problem, Hodgson confirmed his decision was based purely on footballing reasons.

"Any decision you make as an England national team manager is a difficult one," Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

"There's so many good players out there so every time you turn your back on someone and give someone else a chance, you're opening yourself up to criticism that that person would be every bit as good as the one you've chosen."

One player who has been selected for England in Poland and Ukraine, however, is Cahill, who was one of Chelsea's star men as it produced a magnificent rearguard action to repel Bayern Munich's attackers before eventually triumphing on penalties at the Fussball Arena.

Hodgson believes the former Bolton Wanderers defender has a bright future and hopes he can form a centre-half partnership with John Terry at Chelsea that could benefit England.

"Gary Cahill is a lot younger, he's got a good future ahead of him and if he can bed in to the Chelsea team alongside John Terry, it'll help the partnership if they find themselves together with England," Hodgson said.

"Having picked the England team, we'll have to see if they find themselves together or not."

Hodgson also attracted attention after speaking with England predecessor Fabio Capello in Munich.

He welcomed the Italian sharing some useful advice.

"Fabio and I have been friends for a long time," Hodgson added. "We've known each other for a long time, we've worked together in Italy - or worked against each other in Italy - so it's always nice to meet him again.

"And of course it's very interesting to meet him at the moment and to hear some of his opinions. He's been very helpful, very forthright and very generous with his time."

Hodgson has played no part in deciding England should be based in Krakow for the duration of the tournament, even though all its group matches are in the Ukraine.

Had he been given more time, the 64-year-old may have come up with a different solution, having already scrapped the planned training camp in Spain, which was another idea initially put forward by Fabio Capello, then "tweaked" by Stuart Pearce.

However, past experience with Switzerland suggests Hodgson prefers the city centre location England now has compared to the remote base in Rustenburg during the last FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which many players felt was like a prison camp.

The by-product of that is England always being on view and if anyone steps out of line, it will almost certainly be spotted.

Given the scrapes England's rugby players got into during the last World Cup in New Zealand, there is an obvious fear of negative headlines.

The FA will hand out a working document "for guidance", said a senior Club England source, but Hodgson is willing to treat his squad like adults and believes they should behave appropriately.

"We aren't back at school," he said.

"These are people who have an incredible public profile and know every time they step outside their front door the eyes of the world are on them.

"There are mobile phones with cameras everywhere these days. You can't escape them.

"But the players are fully aware of their responsibilities.

"My message to them is a very simple one. Not only do I expect them to behave as adults, I am going to demand it.

"Every time they are in a public place they should be aware of the fact that if they do anything they shouldn't they are not only letting themselves down, they are letting us all down because the criticism will pile upon us all.

"It's a big responsibility but if there is anyone here who can't take that responsibility they aren't going to play a big part in my thinking in the future."

Hodgson views Rooney as an essential part of his plans in Poland and Ukraine this northern summer, despite the 26-year-old being suspended for the first two group games.

So desperate is the new England boss to have his best player fresh for the encounter with Ukraine in Donetsk on 20 June (AEST) that he told Rooney not to report for next Sunday's friendly with Norway in Oslo.

Rooney was offered a further break ahead of the Wembley encounter with Belgium on 3 June in a bid to ensure he was fully recovered after an arduous domestic campaign, but Rooney was not interested and will report for duty on 30 May.

"Wayne has been playing with a minor injury for the last three or four games which needed a couple of weeks to clear up," said Hodgson.

"He won't be involved in the Norway game and I don't know whether I will select him for Belgium at this stage.

"I offered him a couple more days' rest but he was adamant he wanted to be part of it when we meet up for the Belgium game.

"The fitness side doesn't bother me. If he needs a bit of topping up we will do that. But his enthusiasm for the task was fantastic."

Rooney will not be accompanied by United team-mate Paul Scholes this summer because Hodgson decided there was not the "void" in his squad that would have demanded the 37-year-old's selection.

Instead, with fitness doubts hanging over Scott Parker, he will look once more at a potential midfield partnership of Frank Lampard and new skipper Steven Gerrard.

It has never worked before and Hodgson accepts he may not come up with a different conclusion.

However, after speaking with a number of senior players, he senses a deep desire to make the whole thing work, especially Gerrard, who so often has failed to match his inspirational performances for Liverpool on an international stage.

"That is probably because a lot of recent England performances have not hit the heights as far as the media and general public are concerned," said Hodgson.

"I know Steven is burning to bring the qualities he has got to England. He has made that perfectly clear to me.

"I have been buoyed by some of the conversations I have had.

"You never know when you speak to players who have not always had the best of times and taken a lot of criticism for their performances.

"I wasn't certain I was going to get that enthusiasm - 'pick me, I want to play, give me that shirt, please don't take it from me'."

For all the cuddly image of Hodgson, he has made some pretty significant calls during his first full week in charge.

Clearly, Rio Ferdinand and, to a lesser extent, Micah Richards, Peter Crouch and Michael Carrick have suffered, in addition to Stuart Pearce's self-proclaimed abilities as an organiser.

Hodgson is making his mark though. And, quite possibly, none of his decisions will be as significant as the appointment of Gary Neville to his coaching team, the first that goes beyond Euro 2012.

Concern has been expressed, both about Neville's existing media work, which will continue, and his tendency to be outspoken on certain issues.

Hodgson does not see a problem.

"Gary's views and ideas are of great interest to me," he said.

"I wanted Ray Lewington alongside me because he's a man I trust and whose coaching ability I have enormous respect for.

"But I wanted someone like Gary Neville as well - a younger guy with international and tournament experience and someone the players will listen to.

"I have been extremely impressed by the way Gary has handled himself on TV and the fact that he can watch a game of football and he can see what is going on.

"I spoke to Alex Ferguson, who told me he is a straight and loyal person with good ideas and is not afraid to tell you.

"I couldn't have asked for a more enthusiastic person and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better because I can't say I know him that well at the moment."

The 21-year-old plays alongside Rooney at club level and is one option to replace the former Everton man as he serves a suspension for the first two games of the tournament.

Welbeck told The Sun: "I owe Wayne a lot. He has been a terrific friend and a brilliant help to me. We have really forged a great partnership.

"And he is amazing during a game. He never stops yapping in my ear, telling me, 'Daniel this' and 'Daniel that'.

"Wayne's funny like that, he calls me Daniel on the pitch, even though most people call me Danny. Yet off the pitch it's Danny or Welbz. Don't ask me why.

"I'm so lucky he wants me to do well and is always trying to advise what's best for me.

"You can't buy that sort of insight. He knows what it's like as a young player coming through in the Premier League and with England."

Welbeck revealed United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, who was left out of Roy Hodgson's squad, contacted the striker to congratulate him on his inclusion.

Welbeck said: "He made the effort to get in touch which I think tells you all about the man.

"He was obviously gutted not to be a part of it and must have been really down. But he still took the time to contact me and say 'Well done'.

"I'm really disappointed for him."

Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, does not see Roy Hodgson's men as being among the favourites in Ukraine and Poland.

In a Reader's Digest interview quoted in the Daily Star, Lineker, 51, said: "It might make a pleasant change that our expectations for the team are rather low this year.

"But I reckon we'll end up disappointed as usual."

Lineker expects British athletes to impress at the Olympics, though.

He added: "As England invariably let you down it's great to have the Games to look forward to.

"They're an amazing showpiece for the nation and we're really good at putting on a spectacle.

"Also, the host country tends to up its game, so I think we'll break all our records and win a lot of medals."

Lineker took exception to the way the interview was presented in a national newspaper, with the headline: "Lineker: England team are losers".

The former Everton and Tottenham striker tweeted: "If anyone has a recording of me uttering the words 'England team are losers' I'll resign."

The Scot was sacked by owner Fenway Sports Group and Gerrard reflected the views of many when he voiced his sadness at the decision.

"The last 24 hours have been a rollercoaster for me," the newly-installed England captain told liverpoolfc.tv.

"I am very sad to see Kenny leave our club. He is my idol and will always be my idol and I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for what he has done for my career.

"My focus now is on doing my best for England in the European championships and then returning to Liverpool for a new season where we will look to build on the progress of the last 18 months and be competitive at the business end of the Premier League."

Roy Hodgson exuded confidence about his England team when he named a 23-man party for Euro 2012 at Wembley, yet he knows expectation levels are at an all-time low after a period of turmoil within the national squad.

Hodgson will head in to the tournament with three weeks' worth of experience as England coach, he will be without the suspended Wayne Rooney for the opening two group games, and there has been widespread debate about John Terry's inclusion.

Such circumstances have led to an air of pessimism around the England camp but Barry, who was one of four Manchester City players included by Hodgson, thinks that could help ease the pressure on a team looking to end the nation's 46-year wait for a trophy.

"The expectation levels are a lot lower than for previous tournaments, which hopefully can help the team," said Barry, who revealed he heard of his inclusion while playing golf in Spain.

"There's a new manager and it's nice to be in his plans to start with. You should never take too much for granted, especially with a new manager and fresh ideas so we were very happy to be included," he added.

"I've not met the manager before. I'm looking forward to doing that and seeing his ideas and working alongside him and we will learn more in the next few weeks."

England is a big outsider to win its first international tournament since 1966 and the squad announcement at Wembley was a relatively low-key affair.

Barry knows what it is like to win a major trophy having clinched the English Premier League after a dramatic injury-time winner from Sergio Aguero helped City lift its first title since 1968.

Winning the championship under those circumstances could be construed as fortuitous, but Barry thinks otherwise.

"If you look back over the 38 games we played the best football," the former Aston Villa man said.

"We're slowly coming down to earth after some big celebrations. It's still not really sunk in the fashion we won the title. "The manner we did it won't be beaten for a long time. It will go down in history as a dramatic finish and it will be tough to beat."

Together with Norwich keeper John Ruddy, the Arsenal teenager represents Hodgson's stamp of authority on his Euro 2012 squad.

Yet Oxlade-Chamberlain's presence merely evokes memories of how Sven-Goran Eriksson handled Theo Walcott in 2006, when he selected the then 17-year-old for the FIFA World Cup in Germany, and then ignored him completely.

"I wouldn't have chosen him if I didn't think he was ready to start games," said Hodgson.

"I can't guarantee (he'll play). I'm pretty sure Sven selected Walcott for the right reasons as well but, when push came to shove, he wasn't quite up to it in training.

"I'm expecting Alex will be able to deal with that situation.

"He is a precocious talent, who has a maturity beyond his years.

"It won't be easy for him to break into the team but the only way I'll find out is to sling him in at the deep end.

"Even if he doesn't swim now, he'll learn to swim in the future."

If Hodgson is taking a calculated gamble with Oxlade-Chamberlain, he has invested plenty of trust in Liverpool's Andy Carroll.

The suspension that rules star man Wayne Rooney out for the first two group games places more emphasis on the striking department.

Carroll is the only target man remaining in a group that also consists of Jermain Defoe, who has not started for England since September 2010 and Danny Welbeck, currently nursing an ankle injury.

Fabio Capello aired his concerns about Carroll's off-field behaviour and as the 23-year-old laboured through the majority of the season he seemed to have no chance of getting to Poland and Ukraine.

However, the burst of improved form he went on from the middle of April, including giving John Terry a torrid time during two high-profile encounters, changed a few minds.

"I'm not selecting players on the basis of them having one great game," said Hodgson.

"I've been in the game long enough not to fall for that trick.

"Andy Carroll balances up the other type of forwards we have and gives me other options because of his target play and ability.

"It's a profile issue. But it would be fair to say his late burst has given him the nod."

Hodgson did need to speak with Kenny Dalglish though.

And one of the Scot's last tasks as Liverpool manager was to reassure his England counterpart about Carroll's off-field behaviour.

"The conversation with Kenny put my mind to rest with regards to the criticism he's faced for extra-footballing activities," he said.

"That was very important for me."

Much of Hodgson's squad had already made its way into the public domain.

The omissions of Peter Crouch and Micah Richards had been widely reported, the latter man missing out due to the involvement of Phil Jones and Glen Johnson, one of only two players in the squad - new skipper Steven Gerrard is the other - that Hodgson has previously worked with.

Their relationship has not always been smooth.

The full-back got particularly agitated about his one-time manager's public admission that he was not playing particularly well, arguing the observation should have been delivered in private.

"It was a question I answered honestly, but rather unwisely, which gave the appropriate headline," he said.

"Glen was upset that I hadn't protected him more.

"But I don't think that's affected my relationship with him.

"I'm hoping that, when he plays for England, the last thing on his mind is a headline from two years ago."

Hodgson confirmed that Michael Carrick had been overlooked because the Manchester United midfielder had expressed a desire to remain at home, still scarred by his treatment at the World Cup, when he failed to feature for a single minute.

That does not amount to a retirement, although, with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Jack Rodwell set to be available for next season's World Cup qualifiers, it is difficult to see when Carrick's services could be required.

Scott Parker remains a doubt, although Hodgson does expect the injection he had into an Achilles injury on Monday will allow him to take up his place, rather than force a reshuffle that could involve a call-up for Jordan Henderson.

Although Hodgson spoke at various times of being "parachuted in" to the job, he has already made some significant decisions.

Recruiting Gary Neville as part of his coaching team is one, abandoning a planned training camp in Spain next week another.

Instead, with the exception of the Chelsea's UEFA Champions League final-bound players and Wayne Rooney, who have been given additional time off, England's squad will gather in Manchester on Wednesday to begin preparations for the friendly with Norway on May 26.

"I can't deny if I'd been working with this team for two years, I'd feel in a superior position to the one I'm in now," said Hodgson.

"But I'm really excited about the task and the senior players I've spoken to, who have one or two tournaments behind them and one or two disappointments, would tell you we can win it."

Ferdinand, who has been selected in England's last four World Cup squads, was this afternoon left out of the 23-man party for next month's European championship finals.

Hodgson, who made the controversial decision to pick John Terry ahead of Ferdinand, claimed the Manchester United defender was not dropped because of the race row that has engulfed Terry and Ferdinand's brother Anton.

The new England head coach instead claimed that the 33-year-old could no longer be deemed good enough to perform at international level - a decision that has clearly disappointed the 81-cap defender.

Ferdinand took to Twitter to express his sadness and drop the clearest hint yet that, whilst he has always said he would never turn his back on England, he accepts that it is likely he will never play for it again.

"Absolutely loved playing for England....to say I'm gutted is an understatement of the highest order...," Ferdinand said.

Hodgson cut an irritated figure at Wembley as he defended his decision to axe Ferdinand.

Hodgson, who handed call-ups to uncapped duo John Ruddy and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, chose Terry ahead of Ferdinand despite the fact that the Chelsea captain will stand trial on July 9 for allegedly racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton during the Blues' defeat at Queens Park Rangers last October. Terry denies the charge.

The former Fulham manager spoke proudly of the group he had selected for the championship, but was then hit with a barrage of questions about the whether he had snubbed Ferdinand because of concerns the centre-back would not be able to get along with Terry in light of the court case.

Matters came to a head towards the end of the 64-year-old's press conference at the home of English football when he bristled at the constant questioning over his selection.

"Are we still on Rio Ferdinand? Are we ever going to get off the Rio Ferdinand [subject]?" Hodgson said.

"I mean, there are 23 men in the squad, we are preparing for the future and we seem to be discussing one man until the cows come home."

Hodgson was keen to spell out that Ferdinand had been omitted not because of the race row or because he could not cope with the rigours of tournament football - as his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson had claimed - but simply because he thinks the player is no longer good enough.

"I selected John Terry for footballing reasons and left out Rio Ferdinand for footballing reasons," Hodgson added.

"I had to decide on the basis of what I have seen over the last few months. Rio has only played once for England in the last year and three times since 2010.

"Rio has done exceptionally well this year, has played lots of games through injury and has sometimes played three times in a week. I would be lying if I said that was the major reason for not selecting him, it was purely on other footballing decisions."

Although there was no sense of anger in Ferdinand's tweet, it would be understandable if the former West Ham man was aggrieved at his omission given the wealth of experience he has at international level.

Hodgson called the defender, who has been troubled by back problems for two years, to explain his decision and says he took the news relatively well.

"He was very graceful," Hodgson said.

"He was obviously disappointed but he wished myself and the team the very best of luck in the tournament."

Terry has vowed to fight "tooth and nail" to clear his name, and insists he is not a racist.

His presence in the squad could prove "toxic" according to some, but Hodgson stood by the former captain's inclusion, saying: "The court case is obviously very unfortunate for him but we must emphasise he is an innocent man until he is proven guilty.

"I realised that when I selected him there would be people who would raise eyebrows but that's the decision that I've made, that's the decision I shall live with."

Hodgson is convinced the court case will not affect Terry's performances in Poland and Ukraine.

"He has had that court case hanging over him for a long period of time now and it certainly didn't distract him in lifting the FA Cup and helping his team reach the Champions League final," Hodgson said.

There was a wearying inevitability about his selection of the 23 men who will be going to Euro 2012.

But that was not Hodgson's fault. There will be debates, though tepid ones rather than heated, about Rio Ferdinand's exclusion and John Terry's inclusion, and about the blind spot that England coaches seem to have in relation to Micah Richards.

That's because no England manager is ever going to pick a squad that satisfies everyone. In many ways the more worrying element in relation to Hodgson's squad is how few debates his selection will spark.

The reason? The uncomfortable fact that the pool of English talent has been evaporating at an alarming rate in terms of quality over the last 10 years.

Sven-Goran Eriksson must be marvelling at the luck he had. There was such competition for places and apart from Gary Neville, who is now helping make the England choices, every single one of the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad were still playing last season.

Unfortunately for Hodgson, there has been no renewal of the golden generation - this squad is merely plated in silver alloy. The best he could do by way of a surprise was to include Stewart Downing (in the 2006 World Cup squad) and Jermain Defoe (a challenger for Euro 2004).

The arguments over the reasons for such paucity of resources will rage on and on: too many foreign players; clubs intent on buying success rather than growing their own; a natural cycle of events.

But England fans have to face facts.

This is a squad where natural ability is a declining commodity, and for many of the players age is catching up with them.

It does not mean, however, that England is destined for failure in its group at the Euros. If there is one thing at which Hodgson is supremely gifted, it is organising and inspiring average players to perform above their ability.

He will need to do that in Ukraine next month, and he will also need to try to retain a sense of humour.

The press conference to launch his team began with Hodgson appearing calm, with a couple of dry remarks, but within 13 minutes he appeared needled when faced with repeated questions about Ferdinand's exclusion.

"Are we ever going to get off Rio Ferdinand? We seem to be discussing one man until the cows come home," was his tetchy response.

Such has been the build-up to these championships that Hodgson should have been prepared that he was going to be grilled on Ferdinand, Terry and little else.

But his insistence that he had excluded Ferdinand purely on footballing grounds sounded somewhat lame.

Of course, he could hardly say that it would have been impossible to take both Terry and Ferdinand in the same squad, for reasons that are blindingly obvious in connection to Terry's court trial, but the overwhelming suspicion remains that it was one of them or the other.

Hodgson at least made the right call by including Phil Jones, one of the truly top-class English players to emerge in the last four years, though it was slightly worrying that Hodgson suggested it was a straight choice between Jones and Richards.

Elsewhere, it would be wrong to view Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's inclusion in the same light as Sven's dalliance with Theo Walcott six years ago.

The 'Ox' is far more advanced that Walcott was then, and if there is to be one surprise for England's rivals, then Arsenal's 18-year-old midfielder could provide it.

As for the rest, group rival France will no doubt cast a knowing eye over the selection and comment 'plus ca change'.

Terry was selected despite the July court case awaiting him regarding allegations that he racially abused Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, which Terry denies.

Ferdinand's elder brother Rio being left out of the squad will help to avoid any tension that could have stemmed from the pair sharing a dressing room in Poland and Ukraine.

The impending court case also saw Terry stripped of the captaincy by the Football Association, a decision which saw Fabio Capello resign his post and Hodgson eventually succeed him. Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will now captain England.

Hodgson said: "If we take the court case first of all, that's obviously very unfortunate for him but we must emphasise he is an innocent man until such time as he is proven guilty.

"My decision with John Terry was based purely on footballing matters, I was given a free hand as to the squad I picked.

"I realised that when I selected him there would be people who would raise eyebrows but that's the decision that I've made, that's the decision I shall live with."

He continued: "I selected John Terry for footballing reasons and I left out Rio Ferdinand for footballing reasons.

"I've spoken to both of them of course. I had to do that.

"In the last couple of days I've spoken to both of them and explained to them why I've come to the decision."

The immediate reaction when Roy Hodgson was appointed as Fabio Capello's successor was one of surprise, basically because it was not Harry Redknapp.

That was quickly followed by acceptance. After all, at 64, Hodgson had put together a decent CV, for both club and country, and, with his calm nature, was generally viewed as a safe pair of hands, who would go about his job with quiet diligence without rocking the boat.

So much for that theory.

In the space of a couple of hours, Hodgson has tossed the preconceptions overboard in the same disdainful manner that he abandoned England's pre-tournament training camp in Spain.

This, it should be remembered, was the central part of plans put into place by interim boss Stuart Pearce, the bit he "tweaked" after Fabio Capello's exit.

How ridiculous it appears now that at the beginning of April, Pearce was still being viewed as a temporary coach, at the very least a likely part of the new man's back-up team.

Seems Hodgson was not keen on that idea. He wanted Ray Lewington and Gary Neville instead, even to the extent of ignoring the latter man's media commitments to Sky Sports and the Mail on Sunday, and the fact the former is already employed by Fulham.

On countless occasions, both Pearce and senior figures within the English Football Association had spoken of how all plans were in place, it was just a question of slotting a coach on top.

It didn't take long for Hodgson to work out the plans were a bit rubbish.

That instead of hauling themselves off to Spain for a few days, England's battle-weary players would be better off preparing for their friendly in Norway by spending extra time at home with their families.

Chances are, given the opportunity, Hodgson would also have concluded England's boutique base in Krakow, pleasant though it undoubtedly is, was completely impractical for a team who could win the trophy without once playing in Poland.

England's three group matches are in Donetsk and Kiev, so surely it would have been better to base themselves in the other co-host, even if life in the Ukraine is not always full of luxury.

So, Hodgson had already made some significant decisions even before the make-up of his squad started to leak out.

Axing Rio Ferdinand is the obvious headline news, a move that effectively ends the 33-year-old's international career and means he will never get to grace a European championship.

Various conspiracy theories can be put forward but Hodgson appears to have acted on the sound principle of players needing to be fit to do themselves justice, no matter how much ability they have.

The absence of Micah Richards from the 23-man squad was another big call, especially as Kyle Walker was ruled out with a broken toe.

Yet a picture of Richards is starting to emerge of a player who cannot entirely be trusted defensively.

After all, when Roberto Mancini left him out of Manchester City's key games at the end of the season, it wasn't for a stellar name, like Sergio Aguero or Yaya Toure. It was for utility man Pablo Zabaleta, who duly scored the opening goal of that dramatic win over Queens Park Rangers.

And, whilst Glen Johnson has many critics outside of the confines of a training ground, the list of respected coaches who rate him as clearly the best right-back in the country is growing markedly.

In selecting Johnson's Liverpool team-mate Andy Carroll, Hodgson has given a nod to recent form, at the same time relying largely on the players who steered England through an eight-match qualifying campaign, just as he promised.

Selecting Stewart Downing after a poor season at Liverpool has raised eyebrows but handing the skipper's armband to Steven Gerrard is as many expected.

And there you have it.

Roy Hodgson, if not exactly a ruthless dictator, then secure enough in his own skin to make the big calls.

Handle with care.

As had been widely reported, the Manchester United man's name was missing from Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad when it was unveiled by the Football Association.

Ferdinand's long-time central defensive partner John Terry was included while Wayne Rooney got the nod despite being suspended for England's first two group games.

Hodgson's firm decision about injury-plagued Ferdinand appears to signal the end of his 81-cap England career.

Ferdinand last featured for his country in the EURO 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June last year, although he was selected for the friendly against Netherlands the following August which was postponed due to the London riots.

England squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich).

Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton).

Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man United), James Milner (Man City).

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).

Hodgson is believed to have spoken to the Manchester United defender and told him he would not be going to Poland and Ukraine this northern summer.

Ferdinand has made no comment on the matter, although it is thought Hodgson's decision may have been shaped more by concerns over the 33-year-old's long-standing back problems.

Although he was speaking about the potential for Ferdinand being selected for duty at the Olympics later in the summer, Sir Alex Ferguson said it was impossible for the former West Ham man to play twice in four days.

As a similarly packed schedule would have to be navigated at the European Championships, it is thought Hodgson has concluded that he cannot take the risk of managing one of his senior players through a tournament of such significance.

The news will come as a blow to Ferdinand, who had declared his intention to make himself available for England, despite obvious complications over his relationship with long-time central defensive colleague John Terry.

The Chelsea man will face a court case later this year after being charged with making comments of a racist nature to Ferdinand's brother Anton during the Blues' English Premier League encounter with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last year. Terry denies the charges.

It is thought Terry will be part of the England squad, along with club colleague Frank Lampard.

Hodgson's firm decision about Ferdinand appears to signal the end of his 81-cap England career.

Ferdinand last featured for his country in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June last year, although he was selected for the friendly against The Netheralands the following August which was postponed due to the London riots.

And it is not the only bold decision Hodgson has taken.

During his extended period as interim manager following Fabio Capello's dismissal, Stuart Pearce claimed he had put everything into place for the new man to slot into.

Now it seems Hodgson was not that impressed.

After shoving the planned squad announcement back, Hodgson has now taken the even more significant decision to scrap next week's planned training camp in Spain.

Both Capello and then Pearce, who changed the destination, felt it was a good idea to take the England players away for a few days ahead of the friendly with Norway in Oslo on May 26.

Hodgson has decided his players could do with some additional rest instead, which may also have an impact on the plans to gather as a group for the first time early next week.

England is also believed to have been dealt an injury blow with the news that Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker has been ruled out with a broken toe.

Walker seemed certain to be handed a squad berth after winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award this season.

However, with Liverpool's Glen Johnson and Manchester City's Micah Richards both available, in addition to Phil Jones of Manchester United, Hodgson does have plenty of options in that area.

It remains to be seen whether Hodgson has any other surprises in store and he has previously offered few clues to his eventual selection.

On two separate occasions, most recently earlier this week, the 64-year-old has said he needed to pay considerable attention to the players responsible for getting England to the European Championships.

Given 15 players contributed some part to at least half of England's qualifying games, a figure that includes only one goalkeeper, Joe Hart, but not Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll or Jones - it would appear Hodgson's job is almost done.

The situation is not that simple though.

At either end of the experience scale, Paul Scholes and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been talked about as possibles, whilst Hodgson also has to select a permanent captain, knowing Steven Gerrard is the obvious favourite but Scott Parker was the choice of interim boss Pearce for the February friendly defeat to The Netherlands at Wembley.

Foster will stick to the decision he made 12 months ago to concentrate on club football, because he dislikes being parted from his family and the need to rest up during international breaks.

Even the presence of new England goalkeeping coach Dave Watson, who worked with Foster at his parent club Birmingham City, has not prompted a U-turn by the player.

Hodgson names his Euro 2012 squad on Wednesday, and when asking if he was coming out of international retirement, Foster said: "I'm still exactly the same. I've had a very good chat with the boss (Hodgson) this week and he has told me of his plans and stuff.

"I've always said all along my best form has been since I retired from England and I feel my body gets a good rest, and I feel it needs that rest as well.

"Not only that, the fact I've got a young family now, and the family is very big with me. I've got a three and a four-year-old and they do take up a lot of my time.

"I make no secret, I miss them when I'm away with England. I prefer to spend that time with the family than being away from them."

Foster admitted: "Roy (Hodgson) tried hard to persuade me to change my mind. I get on with him so well and he is a fantastic manager. You learn so much off him.

"I know he will do a fantastic job for England.

"But he totally understood my reasons why and was very respectful of that and understood my decision and my way of thinking.

"I'm also delighted Dave Watson is now part of the England set-up. He worked with Joe Hart at Birmingham, and gets on very well with Joe, and I'd like to think I did well under him as well.

"But again he knew my reasons last season why I went into retirement and he understood it and was respectful of it."

Foster missed West Brom's final game of the campaign against Arsenal at the Hawthorns - Hodgson's last as Albion manager - with a groin injury.

Hodgson will bring down the curtain on his spell with the Baggies at Monday's (AEST) home Barclays Premier League clash with UEFA Champions League-chasing Arsenal.

Albion number two Downing feels Hodgson is the ideal appointment for England on the evidence of his work in establishing West Brom in the top flight.

Downing said: "Roy has brought structure, discipline, organisation, just a purpose to every day that he trains.

"You hear people talking about 'is it laborious, is it too drilled?'

"But I'm sure any player at this football club will say the moment Roy walked in he has improved their performance individually and collectively as a unit.

"Every time we go out on the field there is a purpose to our play. There are no grey areas. People know exactly how they should play. He makes you a better player.

"If you are a proper footballer and listen on a daily basis, you can't help but improve and that will apply with England as well."

Downing added: "In my opinion, Roy is the best man for England. I haven't worked with Harry Redknapp but I know what Roy will bring them.

"I'm sure England will go into each game with a structure and a game plan.

"Obviously football is down to players but he will give them the best chance to win those games."

Downing has seen Hodgson help to stabilise the Baggies since his arrival in February 2011 after being sacked by Liverpool.

He said: "I don't think it has come by chance. It has come by hard work.

"Statistics can be looked at whatever way but ultimately to finish mid-table - and when he came in we were sliding - it just shows the work he has done."

The Scot is confident the 23-year-old will start next season better than he began the current one whether or not he is involved this northern summer for either Roy Hodgson's squad or Great Britain's Olympic team.

Carroll has shown a marked improvement in the last couple of months, as Dalglish himself predicted just over a year ago, and on Tuesday gave former England captain John Terry a torrid night during the 4-1 win over Chelsea.

And Dalglish thinks the £35 million record signing has finally settled in properly at Anfield.

"Andy will benefit from the fact he has been here for a year and has not had any problems with injuries," he said.

"But the quality in the last couple of games has been fantastic and he has been building up to that for the whole season.

"I'm sure he will come back next season very much encouraged by his performances and starting afresh.

"We don't know what is going to happen with Andy yet - whether he is going to be away with England in the championships or chosen for the Olympics.

"I am not going to pick either Stuart Pearce's or Roy's team but if you want to play for your national side - and he does - or the Olympics - and he would do if he was picked - the best way to is to produce the goods on the pitch.

"The players will be judged by the performances and the better they play the more chance they have got."

It has been revealed Manchester United has contacted the English Football Association to state none of its over-age players apart from Ryan Giggs would be available for the Olympics.

Only those not selected for the European Championships will be considered by Pearce and while there is no mandate on clubs to release players, Dalglish is happy for any members of his squad to accept a call-up.

"If the players want to go it is not a problem for us," he added.

One of the other talking points surrounding this northern summer concerns who will captain the national team at Euro 2012.

Reports suggest Hodgson, who will name his first squad next week, has spoken to Steven Gerrard about the tournament but there is no indication he has made a decision on who should wear the armband.

Dalglish did not want to enter the debate on who should take the armband but he spoke of his admiration for Gerrard as a captain and the pride the midfielder would have in leading his country again.

"All we can speak about is Steven and his time at Liverpool Football Club and the service he has given us and the way he has led the club many times by example on and off the pitch," said Dalglish.

"He's a real credit to the club.

"We cannot speak highly enough of Steven but that is our opinion, if someone differs from that then that is up to them.

"I am sure if he was asked (to be captain) he'd be very proud."

Off the field, Fenway Sports Group has continued its restructuring at Liverpool after director of communications Ian Cotton left the club.

Last month the departures of director of football Damien Comolli and head of sports medicine and sports science Peter Brukner were announced.

Press Association Sport understands Cotton was informed on Tuesday of the decision and although his 16-year spell at Anfield officially ends on Sunday's last day of the season Cotton is no longer involved at the club.

"We would like to thank Ian for the important contribution he has made to the club during his long career here," managing director Ian Ayre told liverpoolfc.tv.

"He has played a key role as a member of the executive team in managing our relationships with key external stakeholders in the media and in the community.

"We wish Ian every success in his future career."

Cotton added: "It has been a privilege to be at Liverpool FC for the last 16 years.

"I would like to thank everyone I have worked with for all their support during that time and wish this great club all the best for the future."

Liverpool has had a difficult time public relations-wise after its handling of the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra racism row was widely criticised earlier this season.

Players and manager wearing T-shirts in support of the Uruguay international, who was subsequently banned for eight matches, was generally viewed as a particularly poor PR decision.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the news after Smalling suffered the injury during last week's win over Swansea City at Old Trafford.

"Chris has suffered a bad injury," said Ferguson.

"It is a groin muscle injury and he will miss the European championships.

"We are assessing what to do at the moment but it is a bad injury."

Ferguson confirmed Danny Welbeck would be available for this northern summer's tournament, even though he will miss Monday's (AEST) trip to Sunderland with an ankle injury.

"He is still out just now but he should be fit for the Euros," Ferguson said.

Hodgson confirmed upon his appointment he would speak to both Terry and Rio Ferdinand before picking his 23-man squad for next month's tournament in order to determine whether they could play together.

Terry faces trial in July after being charged with racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother Anton, an accusation he denies.

"I've not had any call yet but I'm focusing on the league and Chelsea at the moment," Terry said at Chelsea's Player of the Year awards.

"Hopefully, I get the call and I'm in the squad - and that goes for many of us here.

"I'll always be there for my country."

Aside from the legal case hanging over Terry's head, questions have been asked of his form after he endured a torrid time in Tuesday's (Wednesday AEST) 4-1 defeat at Anfield, with Liverpool striker Andy Carroll dominating him for 90 minutes.

Terry, who was made to look foolish by a couple of nutmegs by both the England international and Luis Suarez, did not help himself with an untimely slip to allow Jordan Henderson to race through unchallenged and score the second, while he also lost Carroll at a corner for the third goal.

Watson has been given permission by the Blues to link up with the Three Lions.

A former England Under-21 international, Watson worked closely with Joe Hart during the current Three Lions' number one's spell on loan with the Blues during the 2009-10 season.

In the last couple of months there has been a noticeable upturn in the 23-year-old's performances, and for 35 minutes of his substitute appearance in Saturday's FA Cup final defeat and Tuesday night's 4-1 demolition of Chelsea he was arguably the Reds' best player.

His goal tally may not have reflected that, with just nine in 45 matches this season, but there are signs Carroll is starting to find the form which persuaded Dalglish to spend a club-record £35 million on him.

The Reds boss has stoutly supported and defended the former Newcastle forward and that has been appreciated.

"Kenny has shown a lot of faith in me," said Carroll.

"I haven't had the greatest season but he has stuck by me and defended me and encouraged me a lot.

"I am confident of doing well all the time and I think it is not just the last two games, I think I have played well in a few games.

"I am enjoying it and I think you could see from last night I have been enjoying my football and training.

"I am just confident every time I step on the pitch and I think it has shown in the last few games. I think I just needed a bit of a run.

"In training I have been doing well and all the lads have been enjoying it now.

"We have all been sticking together and playing well.

"I can't wait till next season."

Liverpool fans have been willing Carroll to do well ever since his arrival in January 2011 but, because he has not weighed in with the goals he was expected to and at times looked like he was struggling to fit into the system, he has come in for criticism.

Recently, the 6ft 2in striker has looked more mobile and energetic and has shown a willingness to not only get involved in build-up play but follow it through into threatening positions in the penalty area.

Having given the vastly-experienced John Terry a torrid night at Anfield, he produced the knock-down for Daniel Agger to score the third against Chelsea and also won the late first-half penalty which Stewart Downing drilled against a post.

After the break he received a standing ovation for chasing the ball into the corner to ensure Chelsea earned only a throw-in close to its own byline and the Kop sang his name on regular occasions.

"I thought the fans were great," he said.

"Getting beat at the weekend I didn't know what it was going to be like, but from the minute we kicked off we were fantastic.

"It felt great listening to it but the fans were great with everyone.

"I enjoyed it all from the beginning. The team played well and we got four goals from four different players.

"I didn't get a goal but we got the three points and a great win on the last game of the season at Anfield."

Captain Steven Gerrard has already suggested Carroll has played himself back into the England squad for Euro 2012, but the striker is not looking any further ahead than Sunday's (Monday 00:00 AET) trip to Swansea for the conclusion to the league season.

"It would be nice (an England recall) but we have one more game to go and then see what happens at the end of the season," he added.

"If we win at the weekend it will finish on a great note with having played the last two games well."

Defender Glen Johnson echoed the thoughts of many when he said: "The last few weeks Andy has been fantastic and he has been unplayable.

"They (Chelsea) had two big centre-halves and he just threw them around.

"He looks quicker and he is working a lot harder so he is doing really well.

"You could see John Terry looked petrified at times. He (Carroll) is a big lump but he is good on the ball and works very hard so he will scare a lot of defenders."

Fabio Capello's successor will announce his 23-strong party next week before facing the media at Wembley later that day to explain his selections.

Hodgson could have delayed naming the squad until the UEFA deadline of 29 May, but has opted to choose it ahead of a training camp in Spain and friendlies against Norway in Oslo and Belgium at Wembley.

Caretaker boss Stuart Pearce had been prepared to name a provisional squad on 10 May if he had still been in charge.

But Hodgson clearly wants to let his players know as soon as possible so they can start preparing for the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

Hodgson still has matters to address, including the form of former skipper John Terry, who looked ill at ease playing for Chelsea in Tuesday night's 4-1 defeat at Liverpool.

He has yet to meet Terry and Rio Ferdinand to determine whether they will feel comfortable being in the same squad - if selected - with Terry accused of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, Queens Park Rangers defender Anton, a charge which he denies, during a match at Loftus Road in October last year.

Several positions also have question marks hanging over them with Micah Richards, Glen Johnson, Kyle Walker, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all right-back contenders.

Hodgson also has to solve the conundrum of who will play up front, given that Wayne Rooney is suspended for the first two games of the tournament and Darren Bent is unlikely to be fit.

Then there is the issue of the captaincy after Terry was stripped of the armband for the second time. Scott Parker led the side out for Pearce's solitary match in charge against Netherlands at Wembley in February.

The squad will meet up on Monday 21 May and travel to Spain for a training camp.

They will fly from Spain to Oslo for the Norway clash and then be given two days off before meeting up again to begin preparations for the game against Belgium in early June.

Another two-day break will follow before the squad reconvene and then travels to its Euro 2012 base in Krakow, Poland.

The centre-back endured a torrid time in Tuesday night's 4-1 defeat at Anfield with Liverpool striker Andy Carroll dominating him for 90 minutes.

Terry, who was made to look foolish by a couple of nutmegs by both the England international and Luis Suarez, did not help himself with an untimely slip to allow Jordan Henderson to race through unchallenged and score the second, while he also lost Carroll at a corner for the third goal.

Suggestions have also emerged the 31-year-old may miss out on a place in Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012 and Terry, suspended for next week's UEFA Champions League final, has only one match left to persuade the new England boss otherwise.

But Di Matteo has given his full backing to Terry.

"John has been magnificent for us," said the Italian.

"He has been playing all the games, he has been a leader and everything you want in a captain."

The Champions League final against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena a week on Saturday (Sunday 04:45 AET) is now Chelsea's sole focus as defeat at Anfield ended its slim hopes of finishing in the top four.

But with Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires all suspended for the season-ending finale, Di Matteo admits he has some difficult selection decisions to make.

The Italian made eight changes for the Liverpool game from the side that beat the Reds in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday and none of the fringe players put up a case for their inclusion in Munich.

Central defenders Gary Cahill and David Luiz missed the match through injury and Di Matteo is still unsure as to whether either or both will be fit.

"We are working towards their fitness and trying to get them back as soon as we can, but I can't answer the question," he said.

"They were not available for Liverpool so we will have to see.

"We have injuries, we had five players unavailable and we need to see how the players are after the game as well," he said.

"We will check on their progress and how they will develop.

"I would like to have everyone available.

"I will have to think about the team as we have those suspensions.

"I have to think about how they play and which players fit best into our set-up for the final."

Michael Essien would have been one of the players hoping to get a place in midfield for Munich but after three knee operations he has looked a shadow of his former self and that was all-too evident at Anfield.

"Because he has been out for a long time it takes a bit of time to get back into the rhythm," added Di Matteo.

"Next season, with a full pre-season, he will start to see some fine performances."

The Tottenham Hotspur defender has enjoyed a stellar season so far.

A regular under Harry Redknapp, Walker earned his first two England caps in November, has recently been crowned PFA Young Player of the Year and only last week was awarded a new five-year contract at Spurs.

Not bad for a 21-year-old, who four years ago was in the reserve team at Sheffield United and spent last term on loan at Aston Villa.

However, the Sheffield-born defender is not satisfied yet.

He is desperate to be part of the 23-man squad new manager Roy Hodgson is set to unveil for this northern summer's European championships at some point next week.

And there will be no consolation if he fails.

Launching the new Vauxhall youth initiative Football Mash Up in Luton, Walker said: "No chance. It does matter.

"I want to represent my country. It is the thing I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid.

"I used to play countless games on the Play Station. I was always England. I wished I was there and, fingers crossed, I will be on that plane.

"I have an important game for Tottenham against Fulham first.

"Hopefully I can cap off a great season and then it will follow on into the summer."

Whilst there are many who feel Walker will be an automatic choice, he realises the situation is not quite so simple.

Liverpool's Glen Johnson was clearly the preferred pick of former boss Fabio Capello but the Italian's shock exit has offered Manchester City's Micah Richards an opportunity that otherwise might not have arisen.

In addition, Manchester United duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both featured for the Three Lions in competitive games before Walker's debut came in the November friendly defeat of world champion Spain at Wembley.

"There is massive competition for the right-back slot," he said.

"But I am still learning and still want to learn. I am trying to be the best I can be."

Hodgson was only confirmed in the job last week but already Taylor has been shuddering at the manner in which the 64-year-old has been welcomed into the job.

Taylor knows more than most what damage can be caused by negative headlines, having famously been depicted as a turnip following a Euro 1992 defeat to Sweden, which ended England's interest in the competition.

So, whilst he does see some reasons for optimism about Hodgson's reign, the former Watford and Aston Villa chief hopes the new man is not castigated before he starts.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp was considered the favourite to replace Fabio Capello but Taylor does not think that should count against the man who beat him to the top job.

Launching the new Vauxhall youth initiative Football Mash Up in Luton today, Taylor said: "There is a small section of people who have already made their minds up about Roy."

"Harry was their lad - and he hasn't got the job."

"I just hope they are fair and deal with Roy in a fair way because it can have a significant effect."

"When we lost to Sweden, it was my second defeat in 24 games, but it meant we weren't going into the later stages."

"That is fair enough. But the way it was handled opened me up to being held responsible for everything that goes wrong."

"In addition, my authority with the players was diminished because it all became a big laugh."

"From that moment on, it was harder for me as a person to maintain the authority I had prior to it."

It would be a matter of huge regret for Taylor if the same thing happened to Hodgson.

Rather than get caught by surprise like most observers, he always felt Hodgson was a live contender, due to the combination of his massive experience and the knowledge that his contract at West Bromwich Albion was due to expire at the end of the season.

In contrast, it has been suggested Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was getting prepared to demand £8million to release Redknapp from his deal with Spurs, a not insignificant sum at a time when the Football Association is still making up a shortfall in the TV deal with collapsed satellite broadcaster Setanta.

"Eight million pounds is a lot of money compared to the possibility of getting someone else who you feel is better suited," said Taylor.

Taylor even sees considerable advantages in the manner and timing of Hodgson's appointment.

"The players and, to a degree, Roy as well, already have a reason if things don't go well," he said.

"When you have that, it is surprising how well you do."

"There is very little time for the new manager and players to gel and know how each other work. We all know that."

"But if they don't do very well it won't be their fault. It will be the FA's fault, because the FA get blamed for almost everything."

"How can we expect anything? Look at the group we are in. France in the first game, then Sweden, then one of the co-hosts, Ukraine. That is not an easy group."

Taylor was speaking at the launch of Football Mash Up, an initiative set up by the FA and England's sponsors Vauxhall to reduce the football drop-out rate of teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17.

Carroll, the club's record signing, was its outstanding player in the 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea despite only coming on as a substitute with 35 minutes to go.

By that time the Reds were trailing to goals from Ramires and Didier Drogba after a woeful performance allowed the Stamford Bridge side to seize the initiative.

Carroll's introduction changed the dynamic of the game almost totally in Liverpool's favour as the 23-year-old struck a well-taken goal and had a late header clawed off the line by goalkeeper Petr Cech.

But what was more impressive was the former Newcastle's forward's all-round contribution as he worked hard to get involved and link-up play.

He has not had the best of starts to his Anfield career, scoring just eight goals this season, but has shown signs of progress in the last couple of months.

Gerrard believes that is something new England manager - and briefly Carroll's boss at Liverpool last year - Roy Hodgson should take into consideration.

"Credit to Andy who came on and played brilliantly well," said the captain of Carroll's introduction.

"He changed the way we played. We were a lot better with him in the team, we were a lot more direct, we created more, we were more of a threat.

"I think his form the last two or three months has been fantastic and he is certainly pushing for a place back in the England squad in my opinion."

Seven days ago, Redknapp remained the overwhelming favourite to replace Fabio Capello, as he had been since the Italian walked out in February.

Yet the FA turned to Roy Hodgson instead, with FA chairman David Bernstein stating this week that the four-man Club England panel responsible for making the decision had chosen the West Bromwich Albion manager as their man a month before making their move.

Yet Bernstein offered no explanation why Redknapp, who unlike Hodgson has won a major trophy in England and secured Champions League qualification with Tottenham, was overlooked.

Once again, there has been scrutiny of an apparent bust-up between Brooking and Redknapp dating back to the 1990s, which centred on how Billy Bonds ended up being replaced as West Ham manager.

It has been suggested more than once that Brooking believed Redknapp stabbed Bonds in the back in order to get the West Ham job and had never forgiven him.

However, in the wake of Hodgson's appointment, Brooking insists that was not the case.

"To be honest, we discussed a lot of candidates, none of whom I had a personal problem with," said Brooking.

"It's a non-starter. That didn't come into the decision-making at all."

Redknapp was installed as the overwhelming favourite to become England's next head coach in February after Fabio Capello resigned, but the FA this week appointed West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson instead.

The period between Capello's resignation and Hodgson's appointment was a tough one for Spurs.

They lost five league games and slipped out of the top four, Redknapp had to deal with constant speculation that he was to be offered the position, and the club even wrote to the Premier League to request that other managers stop tipping him for the job.

Redknapp was happy that the FA did not conduct interviews for the post and holds no grudges against Hodgson, but is disappointed the saga went on for so long.

"It did drag on," Redknapp said.

"I don't know why they didn't do it six weeks ago? What was the big problem? West Brom weren't going to go down.

"It was non-stop speculation."

Redknapp has always maintained his focus throughout has been on Tottenham, but he conceded that others at the club thought the speculation did have an impact.

He said: "I think (chairman Daniel Levy) thinks it might have done, (assistant manager) Kevin Bond thinks it could have had an effect.

"He thought there was a change, but I didn't see it like that."

Levy was reported to be ready to hand Redknapp a new contract to keep him out of England's clutches, but Hodgson's appointment, and Tottenham's recent slump, have dampened talk of an extension to his current deal, which expires at the end of next season.

Some Spurs fans blamed the manager's tactics for their recent poor run but they made their feelings clear after Wednesday's 4-1 win over Bolton, chanting the 65-year-old's name after a second successive win which lifted them in to fourth.

Redknapp insists he is ready to commit his long-term future to Tottenham but is adamant that he will not pester Levy into handing him a new deal any time soon.

"I've got no thoughts with moving anywhere else," he said.

"I don't feel any different now to a few years ago. I don't feel tired and I've got a good job here.

"But I don't want to make it seem that I am chasing Daniel, asking him to give me a new contract. I'm not."

Redknapp rubbished claims that he was not offered the job because of a reluctance to move to Burton upon Trent, where England's new HQ, St George's Park, is located.

"I read my wife didn't want me going to Burton every day but she doesn't even know where I go now and she doesn't know where Burton is!" Redknapp said.

"There's a Burton's (menswear shop) 10 minutes form where we live. She probably thought it was there."

Hodgson's appointment has led to a bit of a backlash given that Redknapp was the people's choice for the post, but the Spurs boss wishes the former Fulham manager the best and admits he would have missed the day-to-day routine that comes with being a club coach if he had become England boss.

"I enjoy being with the players every day," Redknapp said.

"It would have been a different way of life completely to anything I've ever done. I won't be bitter," he added.

"I was quite relieved on Monday morning when I woke up that it was all out of the way."

Spurs have a chance to leapfrog Arsenal into third this weekend if they beat Aston Villa and the Gunners slip up at home to Norwich.

Luka Modric underlined his importance to Spurs this week when he scored a screamer in the club's victory at Bolton.

Now that he is not taking the England job, Redknapp is keen to build his squad to be able to launch a sustained title challenge next term and he acknowledges that the likes of Modric and Gareth Bale are key to achieving that goal.

"Once you start selling your best players you're finished," Redknapp said.

"We are not looking to do that. We are looking to build a team here, not dismantle."

In a statement distributed by the English Football Association, Bayern Munich complained on Friday about a back-page report in The Sun under the headline, Roy Who?, that suggested key figures at the German club had not heard of Hodgson.

Similar reports were carried by The Times of London and Daily Telegraph newspapers, suggesting Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes had questioned Hodgson's credentials to replace Fabio Capello, who quit as England coach in February.

Bayern said it was "surprised" by the English media reports.

"We have a high regard for Mr Hodgson and, like our sporting federation, the DFB, would like to congratulate him on his appointment as England manager," Bayern said.

"In no way did they or anyone at Bayern Munich question, or criticise his appointment."

On Wednesday, the FA complained to The Sun after the tabloid mocked Hodgson's manner of speaking on its front page, a day after his appointment.

The paper mocked his pronunciation by replacing all the letter 'Rs' in its headline with 'Ws'.

The 64-year-old Hodgson, who speaks five languages, was hired on a four-year contract that takes him through to the Euro 2016. Hodgson has previously managed three national teams and has coached in eight countries.

He was a member of a recent UEFA technical study group that also included Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.

Hodgson was appointed on a four-year contract on Tuesday, but must complete the season with his club West Bromwich Albion before turning his attentions to England's campaign in Poland and Ukraine this northern summer.

The former Liverpool boss already has international experience, but Capello, who also revealed he would like to manage in the Premier League, stressed that being a national team manager is not "a normal job".

Quoted in the The Times newspaper, Capello said: "As a club manager, you are a manager. As a national team manager, you are a selector.

"You cannot work with and get the best out of the players all of the time because some are injured, some are not in a top moment, some are unhappy with their club's position, some have a problem with their manager.

"It's not a normal job. It's difficult to create something. You can't do something in a short space of time.

"The idea is to create the team spirit and winning mentality in a really short time. This is very difficult. It will be hard.

"And the other thing is that you don't play a lot of games. In nearly every game, you are either in or out."

Capello hopes England performs well this northern summer to vindicate his work during qualifying.

"I've known Roy since he was coaching in Italy and I have met him often in these last few years," the Italian added. "I believe he is a very good and experienced manager. I wish him all the best for the future and Euro 2012.

"I'm happy with the job I did for England. I hope that England will be one of the best teams at the Euros and they can show my job was really good. If things go well as I hope, people will recognise that I did a good job."

As for his future, Capello admitted he was looking for one final job with a top European club.

"At the end of my career, it would be interesting to find a team with big motivation to arrive at the top," he added.

"England would be very interesting for me because I know very well the teams and the players, and everything would be less difficult. It would be easier for me in England.

"And my English is not so bad."

Campbell says the fact that Hodgson will be plunged straight into Euro 2012 means he will not have the settling-in period that other England managers have enjoyed.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal defender told CNN: "In the beginning, there's always a honeymoon period. They [the media] usually give you a little bit of a grace of a couple of months.

"But because the tournament is upon us, really, there's no honeymoon period."

Redknapp was made the clear favourite for the post after Fabio Capello quit in February but the Football Association appointed West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson.

Despite being the fans' top choice, Redknapp was not even interviewed or approached about the job but he said it did not concern him.

Redknapp, speaking after Spurs' Premier League win at Bolton, said: "I didn't wake up on Monday morning and think, 'What has happened to my life, I'm not the England manager'.

"It has happened. That is how I am. If it would have happened... it saved me making a decision in all honesty. I am very happy at Tottenham.

"I wish Roy Hodgson all the very best, I really do. I am fed up with hearing my name mentioned. I am history with that job.

"It's Roy's job, good luck to him, he deserves it. I just hope he makes a good job of it."

Redknapp dismissed suggestions he might have been offended not to have even received a courtesy call.

He said: "Not really, honestly. I don't feel that at all, it is done. End of story, move on. Get behind the manager, forget me.

"I am not bothered. I am lucky, I have got a great job.

"There are blokes about cleverer than me managing lower-division clubs.

"I am lucky I am managing a top-five club, one of the best clubs in the country."

Wednesday's Sun reacted to Hodgson's appointment with a headline of 'Bwing on the Euwos!' (We'll see you in Ukwaine against Fwance)'.

According to the FA, this led to both the governing body and the UK's Press Complaints Commission receiving complaints about the "poor taste and disrespectful" wording.

An FA statement issued on Wednesday read: "The FA and the Press Complaints Commission have today received a large number of objections relating to the front page headline in The Sun newspaper, regarding Roy Hodgson's manner of speech.

"On this occasion, we will not be making an official complaint to the PCC but we have raised it with the newspaper and made it clear that their front page is unacceptable to us."

FA chairman David Bernstein added: "We are delighted at the media response to Roy's appointment but are disappointed with the headline in The Sun, which we consider is in poor taste and disrespectful."

In its story the Sun said Hodgson was "affectionately known as Woy due to his speech impediment".

Many pundits and players chipped in attacking the Sun's poor taste including a former editor of the paper David Yelland.

"So little compassion for Roy Hodgson today, bullying language, pointlessly cruel, pointlessly hurtful," he said.

Hodgson was unveiled as England manager by the FA on Tuesday after emerging as the shock choice to succeed Fabio Capello after the Italian's resignation in February.

The 64-year-old former West Brom manager won out over 'fans favourite' Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur boss, for the England job.

Hodgson's first major tournament in charge of England will be Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine where the team plays France in Donetsk on June 11.

The tabloid Sun, which has a daily sale of just over 2.5 million copies, is renowned for its colourful headlines.

The 37-year-old Campbell - a powerful, ball-playing center-back who played 73 times for his country - called time on his career having failed to find a club after his release from Newcastle at the end of last season.

"It's hard to let go when you have been a top sportsman for a long, long time," Campbell said. "To say that I am not going to play professional football again is difficult because I've had a long time at the top."

Campbell made one of the most controversial moves in the history of English football when he left Tottenham - where he was captain - after 10 years to join Arsenal in 2001, provoking a deluge of criticism from angry Spurs fans.

Campbell won two league titles and two FA Cups in that first stint with Arsenal, when he was part of the "Invincibles" team that went through the 2003-04 season unbeaten in the league.

He rejoined Arsenal on loan for half a season in 2010, and also played for Portsmouth and Notts County.

Campbell, who played at three FIFA World Cups and three European championships, went through his career without ever moving for a transfer fee.

Gerrard worked with Hodgson during the 64-year-old's ill-fated spell in charge of Liverpool and has been tipped as a possible future England captain.

Gerrard said in a statement: "I've worked with Roy. He's a good man and a good manager. It's important he's given a chance and I'm looking forward to working with him again."

Hodgson dodged a question earlier today over whether Gerrard would replace John Terry after he lost the skipper's armband over allegations he racially abused Anton Ferdinand in a league match earlier this season.

Terry faces a court case in July when he will answer the charges, which he denies.

Speaking at Wembley to announce his appointment, the new England manager said: "Will Gerrard be England captain? That's another thing that will have to be carefully thought out.

"It's one of the things that will occupy my time in the days ahead."

Gerrard was joined in welcoming Hodgson by fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere who has missed much of Arsenal's season through injury.

Wilshere tweeted: "For England....good choice in my opinion! Good luck and I hope I can help him in some way in the future!"

Hodgson was, as expected, confirmed today as Fabio Capello's successor on a four-year contract but there has already been much speculation as to why bookies' favourite Harry Redknapp was not approached.

The Tottenham boss was widely perceived to be the popular choice for the position, but England's Football Association has confirmed Hodgson was its first and only choice.

"It is a very proud day for me, I'm a very happy man to be offered the chance to manage my country," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the task ahead. Everyone knows it is not an easy one but I'm hoping that everyone, fans and supporters will get behind the team.

"It's the team that counts, they go out and win football matches.

"What I'll do is try to make sure the team is well prepared for the challenge ahead.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Hodgson is unlikely to put the accent on flair as was anticipated being the case if Harry Redknapp had landed the role as Fabio Capello's successor.

But he will bring a plan honed over 36 years as a coach at international and domestic level.

His last project at West Bromwich Albion is typical of the way Hodgson likes to set his sides up.

Hodgson immediately set out to tighten up a defence incapable of keeping clean sheets and prone to leaking soft goals.

The former Switzerland boss could hardly contain his pride after Albion kept its 10th clean sheet of the campaign during the clash with Aston Villa.

He has two centre-backs in Swedish international Jonas Olsson - who will face Hodgson's England during Euro 2012 - and Gareth McAuley who head the ball away for fun in commanding fashion.

Hodgson has often favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation in guiding Albion into the top 10.

He has felt comfortable with two holding midfield players - in Albion's case Youssouf Mulumbu and Paul Scharner.

But the 64-year-old also knows the importance of speedy wide players and has persevered with the inconsistent but threatening Jerome Thomas.

During the second half of the campaign, Hodgson put the accent on a big target man in Marc-Antoine Fortune who is accomplished at holding the ball up.

Whether that means someone of a similar ilk in Peter Crouch will come back into the international fold under Hodgson remains to be seen.

Question marks have been raised over Hodgson's ability to motivate players after his unsuccessful spell at Liverpool.

But immediately before that the former Switzerland and Finland boss had led Fulham to the Europa League final, getting the best out of a mid-table Premier League side and giving the side belief.

Of course, Hodgson will have to attempt to do the same with the cream of England's talent sometimes criticised for lacking desire and passion.

But to write that side of his game off because of a eight-month spell at Liverpool where little went right would be foolish.

The 64-year-old has signed a four-year deal, taking him to the end of Euro 2016.

Hodgson will remain in charge of West Brom for the final two games of the Premier League season, although he will be released for England duties as required.

Welbeck was caught by a nasty challenge from Nigel de Jong in the second-half, which sparked a furious touchline row between Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini.

It is not known whether he sustained the injury in that incident.

However, if the damage is bad, it could have serious consequences for Roy Hodgson, who seemed likely to select Welbeck in his European Championship squad.

Ferguson was certainly not happy with De Jong's challenge, nor the manner in which Mancini was talking to fourth official Mike Jones.

Jones stood between the pair at one point during the row to prevent it spilling over before they were eventually pulled apart by members of their respective backroom teams.

"He refereed the game," said Ferguson.

"He was out on that touchline the whole game haranguing the referee, the fourth official and the linesmen.

"The minute I come off the bench for bad tackle by De Jong on Welbeck, he was out again.

"He can't have it both ways. He's been complaining about referees this season but he won't be complaining tonight that's for sure."

Ferguson will have no doubts over where United lost its Premier League title if City wins its next two games.

Manchester United will relinquish its crown if City win its final two matches, at Newcastle next Sunday and then at home to QPR a week later.

Vincent Kompany's header in first-half stoppage time did the damage, with United finding nothing in response.

But Ferguson concedes it was the loss of those two goals in the final seven minutes at Everton that really saw his team stumble, allowing City back into a title race it seemed out of when it was eight points behind just four matches ago.

"You can look back at all sorts of games but you've got to look at the Everton one," he said.

"That was a ridiculous performance for the last seven minutes to lose two goals. That's maybe cost us the league.

"We know we need to win two games of football, that's another way of looking at it. Of course, we're certainly not in the driving seat any more."

The Tottenham boss is set to miss out on the England manager's job with Roy Hodgson poised to be appointed.

But Redknapp feels Hodgson will have a tough job on his hands.

He was quoted by The Sun as saying: "England football is very important for the country but I don't know if it is as important any more to the players. That is the problem.

"People like Bobby Moore, when they were picked, would have walked there."

He added: "But for some of the younger players it's more about club than country, which is a shame."

Redknapp also claimed he would be happy to take a step down in the future after missing out on the job he has seemingly coveted for so long.

"Managing England must be fantastic as well with all those top players and the top tournaments," he said.

"But I would enjoy being manager of somewhere like Poole Town in a few years' time, going back to Bournemouth or wherever, I would still be enjoying it."

The West Brom boss met the four-man Club England board - David Bernstein, Alex Horne, Sir Trevor Brooking and Adrian Bevington - to open negotiations after his club granted permission for him to become Fabio Capello's successor.

He left without making any comment and the FA confirmed there would be no further statements, although an update is expected at some point within 24 hours.

However, the mere fact nothing has happened can be viewed as a good sign, with the silence probably having as much to do with the other major footballing story of the day, 200 miles north in Manchester as any breakdown in negotiations or unexpected stumbling blocks.

Certainly, FA insiders were at pains to stress Hodgson was attending a "meeting" rather than an interview, offering further proof that he remains the only man on their radar.

Redknapp had been the overwhelming favourite to replace Fabio Capello prior to this summer's European Championships.

However, it is Hodgson who will have talks with the Football Association on Monday after West Brom granted permission.

"No problem," Redknapp told BBC Sport.

"I wish him [Hodgson] all the best. He's a great guy. I've got a great job here (at Spurs). I don't hold grudges.

"I've woken up in a great mood today on the back of a great win yesterday (Sunday). I will be concentrating on Tottenham as I have done all along."

"I still think England's got some great players, I really do.

"I think there's some fantastic players in this country, some young players coming through, some great experienced players.

"I'm looking forward to the European Championships, looking forward to watching it.

"Life couldn't be better, the sun's shining, my health is good, very lucky man."

The latest developments mark the beginning of an end to a tortuous few weeks since Capello announced his resignation on February 8.

It is anticipated Hodgson will speak to the four-man FA board and his appointment will be confirmed within the next 48 hours, which would allow him to announce England's Euro 2012 squad on May 10, as indicated by Stuart Pearce last week.

"I suppose it's dragged on, but it's no problem," said Redknapp.

The West Bromwich Albion manager will hold talks with the Football Association about replacing Fabio Capello after the governing body identified him as its preferred candidate ahead of Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp.

Curbishley, who was interviewed for the England post in the past, claimed Hodgson had the credentials for the job but would have to change public opinion.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think if you look at Roy's CV, he's vastly experienced and I think most people's memories just go back to Liverpool.

"I think most people who looked at Roy's CV would understand why the FA are going down that route. He's well respected within the game, but I think the public perception is the Liverpool situation and perhaps the fact Harry was the people's favourite. He's got to overcome that."

But he added: "I think he'd take it in his stride."

Curbishley claimed Hodgson would suit the FA's job description.

He said: "David Bernstein, the head of the Football Association, is looking for a certain type of manager I think and with the big move to St George's Park (the national football centre) coming up, it was a manager that was going to embrace all levels of the game and be involved on the coaching side. I think when it comes down to that then Roy Hodgson ticks most of the boxes.

"I think the job description probably suits Roy more than Harry. I think firstly the FA, once they got the vacancy, decided on a certain type of manager they were looking for and probably Roy ticks more boxes than Harry in that respect."

Former England midfielder Matt Le Tissier labelled Hodgson as "the cheap option and the safe option".

The West Brom boss is out of contract at the end of the season so no compensation would be due to the Baggies. The FA would have to pay to release Redknapp from his Tottenham contract.

"I think all the players, all the fans and all the media wanted Harry Redknapp to have the job," Le Tissier told Absolute Radio.

"It seems to me - as an outsider looking on - the FA has gone for someone who's going to do as he's told (and) isn't going to cost anything in terms of compensation."

"It looks to me like it's the cheap option and the safe option... whether or not it's the right option only time will tell.

"There are a whole bunch of issues... If you look at the committee that is selecting the next England manager. One of them, I think I'm right, is (Director of Football Development) Trevor Brooking.

"I think Trevor and Harry had a falling-out many years ago and I'm not sure if that's played a part in one of the reasons why they've decided against going for Harry.

"The FA has not been known for making fantastic choices in the past and seems to have continued that tradition.

"I've never really been excited by Roy Hodgson's teams and I think that's where my reservation stems from. I'd like to see the England team play with a little style and I think that's what the fans want as well."

But West Brom player Steven Reid came out on Twitter in support of his boss.

"Obviously those in the press who have hammered Hodgson have never met or worked with the man," he wrote.

Hodgson is due to meet the four-man Club England board on Monday afternoon for talks over the England vacancy.

It is widely anticipated Hodgson will accept the offer, which has come as a major surprise as Harry Redknapp had been the overwhelming favourite.

Whilst many have condemned the FA for ignoring Redknapp, Perryman does not see it that way and has rubbished comparisons between the Tottenham Hotspur boss and Brian Clough, who was denied the chance to manage England because the FA was fearful of his confrontational approach to the job.

"It is a ridiculous comparison," said Perryman.

"Harry Redknapp has been a manager for 30 years and won one FA Cup.

"Brian Clough won two European Cups and lots of other trophies besides.

"To link the two doesn't stand up at all. Clough was the greatest manager never to manage England. Harry is the populist choice, but so was Kevin Keegan and what an unmitigated disaster that turned out to be.

"Roy Hodgson will be a steady hand on the till.

"He took Fulham to the Europa League final, which was a magnificent achievement and on the basis that the best three managers around just now, Marcelo Bielsa, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, wouldn't want the job, Hodgson is a good choice."

However, Perryman concedes a Hodgson appointment would lower expectations around the Three Lions.

"There is no doubt the general public will expect less of a Hodgson managed team than one Redknapp was in charge of," he said.

"But is that necessarily a bad thing? I don't think so. Expectations around the England team have been way too high since 1966.

"People have spoken about Euro 2012 being a push towards making a big impact towards the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Trust me, there is absolutely no way we are going to win that. It is just not going to happen.

"What we should be aiming for are the next European Championships in France."

To that end, Perryman thinks Hodgson will stick with the youngsters Fabio Capello introduced into his squad after the dire performance in South Africa.

"Jack Wilshere and Jack Rodwell won't be fit for the summer unfortunately, but the other lads should get some experience," said Perryman.

"We have to look at this from a long-term perspective.

"Both Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson had impressive CVs at club level but they didn't get us to win something, so maybe we have been looking at this from the wrong perspective."

Hodgson had only recently revealed he was due to miss this summer's Euro 2012 finals - where he was to work as a member of UEFA's technical study group - after being urged by his wife to take a rare break from football.

Yet now the West Bromwich Albion head coach, whose contract runs out this summer, is set to lead England in Poland and Ukraine providing, as is widely expected, he agrees to become Fabio Capello's successor.

It all seems a long way removed from the dark days of his Anfield tenure.

Hodgson, who will be 65 this summer, was shown the exit door at Liverpool after just half a season in charge, having succeeded Rafael Benitez in the summer of 2010.

His spell at Liverpool - which was marred by a Carling Cup defeat at home to League Two side Northampton and a string of below-par league performances - marked a rare failure in a managerial career that began in Sweden in 1976.

Seven Swedish league titles and two Swedish Cups followed at Halmstad and Malmo over the next 13 years, while Scandinavia continued its benevolence towards Hodgson in a later spell at FC Copenhagen, with whom he won the Danish league and cup double in 2001.

Hodgson also managed with varying degrees of success at Inter Milan, Blackburn Rovers, Viking, Grasshopper and Udinese, while head coaching roles at international level with Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Finland dovetailed with his club experience to give the 64-year-old a unique perspective on the game.

Hodgson's return to English football as boss of Fulham in 2007 heralded a more settled period in his career that went some way to removing the journeyman tag that had been attached to him.

In nearly three years at Craven Cottage, Hodgson transformed the club from relegation battlers to top-10 candidates and famously led the club to the final of the 2010 UEFA Europa League - where it lost in extra-time to Atletico Madrid.

His time at Liverpool doubtless damaged his reputation but the veteran boss still had a host of admirers.

Certainly West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace saw the merits of bringing Hodgson in on an 18-month deal to save the Baggies from relegation after sacking Roberto Di Matteo midway through last season.

Hodgson's organisational and tactical nous allied to skilful man-management brought together a squad which had floundered under the Italian. Nineteen points from the final 12 games meant Albion comfortably avoided the drop, and this season they have gone from strength to strength.

Yet Hodgson has been in no hurry to commit his future to West Brom despite his advisors opening talks with the club.

Although he has shown admirable diplomacy in fielding endless questions relating to the England job since Capello's departure earlier this year, it is tempting to believe that Hodgson always knew England would come knocking - despite the very public clamour for Harry Redknapp to get the nod.

Now that the four-man FA board has made its move, it seems inconceivable that one of the world's most experienced football personalities will pass up the chance to finally lead his country.

The FA has named Hodgson as its top target after receiving permission from West Bromwich Albion to talk to its manager about the vacancy created by Fabio Capello's departure in February.

Their stance is a surprise given Tottenham Hotspur boss Redknapp was the overwhelming favourite.

And Mark Perryman believes fans should be told why Redknapp appears to have been overlooked.

He told Press Association Sport: "I think first of all, the FA needs to be open in terms of the situation.

"It's almost inconceivable they haven't approached Redknapp.

"I think the fans and the broader sporting public have a right to know what the situation is with Redknapp.

"It's quite conceivable he has turned the job down but fans have the right to know.

"I am not saying Hodgson is the wrong man but clearly there was a popular mood around Redknapp and in the spirit of open governance, let's be clear what the situation was there."

Perryman was not convinced Redknapp was the right man for the job anyway.

He added: "The fans I know ... there wasn't the degree of enthusiasm for Redknapp which was widely reported.

"There are enough fans who have been following the game for long enough to know he has won one trophy in 34 years.

"And also fans remember the last time we appointed the people's choice: Kevin Keegan. That was an unmitigated disaster.

"I don't think there will be a great wave of excitement about Hodgson but given that (Jose) Mourinho or (Pep) Guardiola are not likely to take the job ...

"I don't think there is a great wave of enthusiasm about England in general at the moment - there are only 5000 going to the European Championships which is one of the lowest travelling supports for a very long time."

Perryman was impressed by Hodgson's experience and called for him to be given time to mould a team.

"Hodgson is the kind of guy who is willing to take the job on. He is a quiet and unassuming guy but the thing that impresses me is that when you look at his record he has managed all over Europe and few Englishmen have had the balls to do that," he said.

"That gives us an inkling of his potential.

"We need someone to bed the team down, we need to look long-term and Hodgson could quietly, methodically rebuild the set up around the England team. He has to be there until 2014."

He has vast experience, of both international and club management.

At 64 he is the ideal age, in Sir Alex Ferguson's eyes at least, for a role that he will be asked to fill in the next few days.

He has few friends in the media which, for neutrality alone, is a good thing.

And importantly, he is out of contract in the summer.

Yet, there is a 'but'.

Hodgson was hounded out of one job recently for not being somebody else.

Now the Football Association must slap a "handle with care" notice on the Londoner if Hodgson is not to be ousted from the England job far earlier than he would hope purely because he happens not to be Harry Redknapp.

Having latterly opted not to speak about the England vacancy, other than to say the intense speculation surrounding him was having no effect on a Tottenham Hotspur team that was a genuine Premier League title contender in January but now must end the campaign with a flourish purely to secure a top-four berth, Redknapp's thoughts would be very interesting.

Unlike Hodgson, he cannot count Inter Milan or Switzerland or Finland or the United Arab Emirates amongst his former jobs.

He hasn't managed in eight countries.

Instead, Redknapp can slap an FA Cup (2008) on the table. He has taken Tottenham into the UEFA Champions League and then reached the quarter-finals, in the process beating holder Inter Milan and knocking AC Milan out.

He has nurtured Gareth Bale and helped him become a world-class talent, he has brought the best out of Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Rafael van der Vaart and even Ledley King's dodgy knees.

He has done this with a style of football that people enjoy watching.

And he has done it with a smile on his face to match those of any journalist he encounters.

His brief interviews from his car, arm out of the window, in the early days after Capello's exit, were theatre in themselves - just the arena in which Redknapp excels.

Once a troublesome court case had finished with his acquittal on all charges, just hours before Capello quit, it seemed the final barrier to the England job had been removed.

Today he has learned there is another one. He is not the first choice.

Even if Hodgson now says no, would Redknapp still be up for it knowing the four men that matter wanted someone else, even if their opinion is at odds with the wider public?

It is only a week ago that senior FA board member Phil Gartside put his head over the parapet and declared his backing for Redknapp, joining the likes of Ferguson and many others, who all appeared to be supporting the obvious candidate.

Today, some will be revising those views, knowing they need to be seen to support Hodgson.

Others will be sharpening knives to a fine point which can inflict a pretty nasty wound.

Last Tuesday, when Stuart Pearce announced that England's Euro 2012 squad was set to be named on 10 May, it was felt some kind of movement was imminent, despite the FA's counter-argument.

Now the move has come. It's just that no-one expected it to be like this.

1947: Born on 9 August in Croydon.

1965-75: Player with Crystal Palace, Gravesend and Northfleet, Maidstone and South African side Berea Park.

1976: Starts managerial career with Halmstad in Sweden, winning two championships.

1980: Joins Bristol City as assistant manager.

1982: Appointed manager at Ashton Gate but dismissed within four months after poor run of results when club is taken over by new owners. Returns to Sweden, where he manages Orebro and then Malmo, which won five consecutive championships and two Swedish Cups under him.

1990: Leaves Sweden for Switzerland, taking over at Neuchatel Xamax.

1992: Becomes manager of Switzerland, whom he takes to the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States. Also in charge when it qualified for Euro 96.

1995: Appointed manager of Inter Milan.

1997: Agrees to become Blackburn Rovers manager in the summer. While still at Inter, his side loses to German club Schalke 04 in the UEFA Cup final on penalties.

1998: May: Takes Blackburn into European competition for the first time since 1995 but Rovers win only two of their final 11 Premier League matches to fail in chase for title.

November: Sacked by Blackburn with the club bottom of the Premier League, having taken just nine points from 14 games.

1999: Shortlisted for Austria job. Returns to Inter on April 27 as technical director until the end of the season.

Joins Swiss side Grasshopper.

2000: Appointed coach of Danish side FC Copenhagen. Linked with England job after resignation of Kevin Keegan.

2001: May - Takes Copenhagen to the Superliga title.

August: Takes over as coach of Serie A club Udinese.

December 10 - Udinese and Hodgson part company.

2002: April - Appointed manager of the United Arab Emirates.

2004: January - Sacked after leading side to fifth place at the Gulf Cup.

May - Joins Norwegian side Viking FK.

2005: August - Agrees to take over as boss of Finland national team.

2007: November 30 - Quits after failing to secure qualification for Euro 2008.

December 30 - Appointed Fulham manager.

2008: Fulham wins four of its last five Premier League games of the season to stave off relegation.

2009: Guides the Cottagers to their highest ever top-flight finish, seventh, and ensures Europa League qualification.

2010: March 18 - Oversees a stunning second-leg comeback against Juventus in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final as a 4-1 win takes Fulham into the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

May 12 - Hodgson's side goes down 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in extra-time in the Europa League final in Hamburg.

July 1 - Announced as new manager of Liverpool on a three-year contract.

September 23 - Dumped out of the League Cup on penalties at Anfield by League Two side Northampton.

October 3 - Poor form continues with a 2-1 defeat to newly-promoted Blackpool - again at Anfield.

October 15 - US company New England Sports Ventures, owner of the Boston Red Sox, completes the takeover of Liverpool.

December 29 - Criticises Reds fans after another home defeat - this time 1-0 to Wolves.

2011: January 8 - Liverpool announces Hodgson has left the club.

February 11 - Takes over as West Bromwich Albion coach after the Baggies part company with Roberto Di Matteo.

May - Takes West Brom to 11th in the table after a strong end-of-season run.

2012: April 22 - Leads his side to a 1-0 win over Liverpool on his first return to Anfield.

April 29 - West Brom grants the Football Association permission to speak to Hodgson about the vacant manager's position.

Hodgson had been in the frame to replace Fabio Capello two years ago after England's calamitous FIFA World Cup campaign.

In the end, Capello stayed in his job and Hodgson opted to join Liverpool for an ill-fated spell, which seemed to signal the death knell for any England ambitions.

However, it seems the four-man Club England team charged with replacing Capello never lost faith in the 64-year-old.

And on Monday (AEST) it stunned the English game by confirming an approach for Hodgson, when almost everyone expected Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp would be top of their list.

"I'm grateful to Jeremy (Peace, Baggies chairman) and all at West Bromwich Albion for their co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy, who I have since spoken with," said FA chairman David Bernstein.

"Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set-out soon after Fabio Capello's departure.

"Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made."

The move marks the beginning of the end of a tortuous process, which began on 8 February when Capello confirmed his resignation in protest at John Terry being stripped of the captaincy without having the opportunity to put any input into the discussions.

It is still possible Hodgson will say no.

That does seem highly unlikely though as, in an extensive interview earlier this year, during which he touched on the England job only as an aside, the Londoner said the job would be "a tremendous honour".

And, as his contract is due to expire in June, Hodgson would command barely any compensation, another factor which may just have helped the FA reach its decision.

"The club are currently in negotiations with Roy about a new contract - his current deal ends on June 30 - and remain very keen to bring these talks to a successful conclusion," said West Brom in a statement.

"However, Roy has expressed a desire to explore this opportunity and, accordingly, the club have granted him permission to speak to the FA."

Peace added: "Roy has done a fantastic job over the past 15 months and the fact the FA want to discuss the England role with him is testament to that.

"Roy is a proud Englishman and we can understand why he wants to speak to the FA about this highly-prestigious managerial position.

"However, we have emphasised to Roy how much we would like him to remain as our head coach and continue his major contribution to our project at the Hawthorns as we look to establish ourselves as a Barclays Premier League club.

"Everyone here has an excellent working relationship with him and he is immensely popular with our supporters."

Hodgson has built up an impressive CV, which includes spells in the international game with Switzerland - whom he guided to the 1994 World Cup and Euro 96, although he resigned before the finals themselves - Finland and the United Arab Emirates.

However, this is unlikely to win over those who feel Redknapp should have been asked first.

The Tottenham manager might be more than a little angry himself as, whilst he has denied it, the speculation surrounding his chances of getting the job seems to have damaged the London outfit, which had won just one of nine Premier League games since Capello's departure until Monday's 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

It also begs the question as to why the FA waited until now to make its move given West Brom has been comfortable in mid-table for a number of weeks, its safety assured long before Monday's goalless draw with Aston Villa.

Even as recently as a fortnight ago, Club England sources were indicating that more than two people were in the frame for a job they wanted an Englishman to fill if at all possible.

On Thursday, it categorically ruled departing Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola out as a potential candidate.

Now though, those same voices are insisting only one person has been approached, a position that is likely to remain until such time as Hodgson says he doesn't want the job.

It is a response that, given all the evidence to the contrary, will almost certainly never be heard.

The 33-year-old claims the squad is good enough to make light of Fabio Capello's shock departure in Poland and Ukraine, whoever takes charge for the tournament.

Capello quit in February over the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.

Despite there being only just over a month before EURO 2012 begins, the FA has still yet to appoint a replacement, with Stuart Pearce currently set to remain in charge as caretaker.

Lampard, who has seen plenty of managers come and go at club and international level, told uefa.com: "It's something as a player you learn to cope with.

"Managers leave at times you don't expect them to sometimes.

"Can it be a negative because we've lost a manager and we lose our way, or can it be positive because we galvanise ourselves, whoever comes into lead us galvanises the team and it goes very well?

"We've seen that happen so many times.

"The important thing in this situation is that you've got the ability in the squad and in the players.

"And I believe in the squad we have that.

"So, for me, I don't think it makes much difference. It'll only be us who can dictate what difference it makes by playing well."

Lampard's international career appeared to be winding down before Capello quit and, at 33, he accepts EURO 2012 could be one of his last chances to win something.

He said: "I've been in England squads in tournaments before where you feel a real bandwagon, where the fans are getting excited, you're getting good results, the team's playing well, you feel you can go and win a tournament.

"And then I've been in tournaments where it stutters and whether you're playing regularly or you're playing every game or you're just in the hotel in the squad, the feeling isn't there.

"It's realistically going to be one of my last tournaments.

"I'd love to be part of an England squad that goes there and starts well and looks like we can go all the way, and hopefully then my part can be big in that and I can help the team."

England's dismal 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign led to Capello blooding more youngsters during EURO 2012 qualifying.

"It's something we needed as a country," Lampard said.

"We were all disappointed, the players that played in 2010, the nation expecting more out of the team, and quite rightly so.

"It needed these young boys to come through. They've shown great ability and great talent. This is something that the fans wanted to see.

"It brings a lot of youth and energy into the team and it was something that was certainly required for us as a group.

"Those players will be the present and the future of England now."

Stuart Pearce has been in interim charge of the team following Fabio Capello's resignation in February over the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy while he fights a racism charge.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is widely considered to be the favourite for the role but so far no official announcement has been made, with the tournament kicking off in less than two months' time.

Lineker, speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, said: "What is going on with the FA? When are they going to decide or even approach some form of England manager or let Stuart Pearce know he's got (the job) for the Euros? Somebody has to prepare.

"The only reason I can think of - which I'm sure is the reason - is that they don't want to upset any club's applecart.

"If they were going to go for Harry Redknapp, which we all presume they will, they don't want to upset the end of Spurs' season - but it seems they have already done that now so they might as well get on with it.

"They may think everything is in place and there are no (England) games until the end of the season, the training camp is all sorted, but the new man needs to start thinking and planning his team.

"He needs to start thinking and planning about how other teams play and do his homework on them and things like that, now they're running out of time.

"If they were going to go with anybody, they should have done it by now."

England's hopes for success in Poland and Ukraine suffered another setback when Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed that the 20-year-old midfielder would not be fit.

Wenger also ruled Wilshere out of the Olympic football tournament, which begins seven weeks after the Euros, to leave him to focus on next season.

Despite admitting his disappointment at missing out on the chance to appear at a major international tournament for the first time, Wilshere vowed to work through the off-season to ensure he was ready for the start of next season.

"Gutted, sad, devastated..its been a test mentally for me this season and it will continue to be tough until I am back out on the pitch," Wilshere wrote on his Twitter page.

"My ankle is good, I just have a few niggles and having been out so long I will not be fit enough for the Euro's!

"I hope England can do well and bring home the cup! I will be watching and cheering the boys on like a proper england fan!"

"The hardest thing is being away from the game that I love and not being to able to help my team mates get 3rd place! I will be in all summer.

"Trying to get fit so I can help the team next season! No holidays, I just want to play and show AFC fans what I can do!"

A stress fracture to Wilshere's right ankle has sidelined him all season, but both the player and Wenger had been optimistic that he would return to play some part in the end-of-season run-in.

But speaking after Arsenal's surprise 2-1 loss at home to Wigan in the Premier League, Wenger said: "Jack Wilshere will not play again this season and will not go to the Euros, that is for sure.

"He is not ready to practice today or next week. He makes progress, but slow progress.

"What is for sure is he will not be ready for the end of the season and not for the Euros.

"He is devestated, and you can understand that."

Asked whether the Football Association, who is still searching for a permanent successor to Fabio Capello, had been informed of Wilshere's situation, Wenger said: "The FA know.

"At the moment, the manager is invisible, so I cannot tell him."

Wilshere's absence adds to England's problems ahead of Euro 2012 with the FA still to announce the new manager while it is also without a captain after John Terry's high-profile demotion.

England will also be without star striker Wayne Rooney for its opening two group games due to suspension.

The top job at Wembley has been left open ever since the Italian resigned in February, with the governing body yet to make an announcement about a replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp remains the overwhelming favourite despite a bad run of form domestically, but it remains to be seen if it will be him or someone else who leads the Three Lions into EURO 2012.

Premier League managers have been told to avoid commenting on the job in the media so as not to disrupt other clubs, but Shearer wants a quick end to the uncertainty.

"The FA are in a very difficult position because if they were to go in and (make an) approach, it would upset people," the 30-goal international told BBC Sport.

"But I think the time has come, because England need a manager in now to prepare, to look at things and maybe organise things.

"Maybe the FA should think about England rather than other football clubs, but they're in a tough position."

Tottenham's descent from title challenger to scrapping for UEFA Champions League qualification has left some asking whether or not Redknapp should still be considered.

As a result, names such as Roy Hodgson and Alan Pardew have been mentioned, but Shearer still thinks Redknapp is the man.

He added: "Just because Harry Redknapp's had a couple of bad results, doesn't make him a bad manager.

"I'd still absolutely, 100 percent, go with Harry and I'm sure everyone would tell you the same story."

The 21-year-old forced his way into England contention in the final two games of former manager Fabio Capello's reign last November but has since been plagued by hamstring problems.

Rodwell has played just five times in the last five months and was unfit for February's friendly against Netherlands, when caretaker manager Stuart Pearce took charge.

Everton now wants to send him to German specialist Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt for treatment and manager David Moyes does not think he should play at Euro 2012 or the Olympics.

Moyes said: "Jack Rodwell has pulled his hamstring again in training.

"He trained Saturday morning and felt his hamstring again. He had a scan.

"It's a grade one (tear) which is small. We are trying to send him to Germany for treatment.

"Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt is away this week and because he is the Bayern Munich doctor, he has a very big week next week because of their Champions League semi-final.

"So trying to get hold of him will be the hardest thing certainly in the short term.

"I would advise him to concentrate on next season because Jack has probably missed six months with hamstring injuries, so we have to get him working on whatever work programme they recommend him to do."

It is now almost two months since Fabio Capello's shock resignation after a dispute over the FA's treatment of John Terry.

Stuart Pearce took over as an interim measure for the friendly defeat to Netherlands at the end of February but with time ticking down to Euro 2012, there has still been no move made to find Capello's replacement.

Harry Redknapp remains the overwhelming favourite, with Roy Hodgson also believed to be meriting consideration, although others are also likely to come into the frame.

However, Press Association Sport understands there have been no moves as yet and there has been no indication when that situation will change.

The four-man Club England board, FA chairman David Bernstein, chief executive Alex Horne, director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking and Club England managing director Adrian Bevington, have held private discussions on the matter and are sticking to the rather loose timeline of "back end of the season" for a final decision to be made.

That could be any point from now onwards, so speculation about approaches being made within a fortnight, may not be wide of the mark.

Certainly, the Club England board is not confined by the widespread theory that it will wait until the domestic season reaches its conclusion on May 13 and there is a distinct possibility it will be done by then.

In addition, it has been pointed out whilst Pearce remains a back-up option, the preference remains to have a permanent manager in place for the two pre-tournament friendlies, in Norway on May 26 and against Belgium at Wembley seven days later.

"The message remains the same. No-one has been spoken to and no-one has been approached," said an FA spokesman.

"We are quite happy with where we are."

The clamour for Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain to be a wildcard pick for this northern summer's finals has grown since the start of the year, with the 18-year-old having earned rave reviews for his performances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player: "It would be very nice but I don't get too far ahead of myself or get carried away."

Oxlade-Chamberlain was controversially omitted from caretaker England manager Stuart Pearce's first squad for February's friendly against the Netherlands, denying him his maiden senior cap.

But Pearce insisted he would consider taking the Under-21 star to Poland and Ukraine were he to remain in charge this northern summer.

England is currently without a permanent manager or captain after Fabio Capello's shock resignation almost two months ago, with neither vacancy set to be filled until the end of the season.

It is a far-from-ideal state of affairs leading into a major tournament but Oxlade-Chamberlain believes it has the players to triumph.

"There are a lot of good teams like Spain and Holland, but you have to say England have what it takes to get to the final and even win it," he said.

"We have a lot of really good players in this country and a lot of experienced players."

Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of several Arsenal youngsters who have put their hands up for EURO 2012, with Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott also in the frame.

He said: "The fact that they are pushing on already and are in the England squad, while playing week in week out in the Premier League, can only be good.

"There are a lot of English players coming through, such as the likes of Danny Welbeck and Kyle Walker, while at Arsenal we have the likes of Jack Wilshere and Theo.

"As long as everyone keeps progressing as they are at the moment, it will be good for England's future.

"We have a lot of English talent here at Arsenal and we will all be working hard to get into the national team.

"The longer you play with people, the better you get to know them.

"You bond, and being around the same players means that you bounce off each other. It will be good for the future.

"For their age, they are all really mature and fearless.

"You forget how young Jack is - he is such a confident lad - but at the same time they are all humble as well.

"When it comes to football, they are really focused and just get on with the job.

"They are technically very good and have the right mindsets to become world-class players."

Oxlade-Chamberlain knows he must continue performing for Arsenal if he is to stand any chance of booking a place on the plane to Poland and Ukraine.

The Gunners are currently in a four-way battle to secure Champions League football next season, with arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur level on points in the Premier League and Chelsea and Newcastle United a further five behind.

Oxlade-Chamberlain added: "My main focus is to see the end of the season out with Arsenal and help us do as well as we can.

"We have a long way to go to get a Champions League spot and hopefully top three as well.

"It would be very nice, but one step at a time is the way to go."

Meanwhile, rookie goalkeeper Damian Martinez wants to follow in Wojciech Szczesny's footsteps by starring on loan at another club before returning to challenge the Pole for the number one spot.

Szczesny made his name during a spell at Brentford that ultimately helped him break into the Gunners' first team.

Martinez, 19, said: "Wojciech said he wasn't ready for the first team yet so he went out on loan and learned so much there.

"Next season, a loan spell could be an option for me."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes time is running out ahead of Euro 2012 while ex-England boss Terry Venables, who backed Harry Redknapp for the job, criticised the FA for not appointing Fabio Capello's successor sooner.

The FA made it clear it wants to wait until early May in order to avoid destabilising any club, and also because if the next manager is currently in work, he would not leave his club until the end of the season.

However, Neville, who won 85 caps for England, warned that the new manager and the FA will have issues to deal ahead of Euro 2012 starting on June 8, including the captaincy and possible effect on the squad of John Terry's court trial in July where he will deny racially abusing Rio Ferdinand's brother Anton.

Speaking at the Soccerex conference in Manchester, Neville said: "The England manager has started being mentioned again this week, we are going into a tournament and who is taking the team, what tactics are we going to play, what principles?

"They say they are going to wait until the end of the season - that's May 13."

He added: "There's something brewing at the moment. There are situations still not being dealt with.

"There are player situations going into the tournament, there are manager situations going into the tournament, it's going to come pretty quickly. It's April next week.

"There's manager, there's player, there's captain, there's (the) court case, it's not going to go away.

"And the FA at this moment in time are in a difficult position as always. If they actively go in there now and do something then it will be like a bull in a china shop, if they step away it's a very difficult position to be in.

"I do fear that there's no right or wrong at times, just do your best, but I do feel the vultures are circling."

Venables, who managed the England team that reached the Euro 96 semi-finals, said Redknapp would benefit from being the popular choice but that there was no benefit in the FA stalling on a decision.

He also warned that Redknapp or any other English manager could not to expect to earn anything like the salary paid to Capello.

Venables said: "I think Harry is the candidate, he has done such a capable job; it's whether he wants it.

"It seems to have gone on too long for me, there's now a double take and no-one seems to really know what's going on apart from those that are in the seat.

"They have to get someone in there straight away do to something about it.

"I don't see any benefit at all in coming in at the last moment with a rah-rah-rah. He's got to know those players, not just from what he has seen, but how they talk and what they feel is important, really getting into the individuals.

"The cogs have got to be strong to make that chain strong.

"The more time you can get in that the better. There's nothing for you doing it cold."

Venables is adamant that the FA should not give the job to another foreign manager and expects English candidates to be paid less.

He added: "If an English manager gets it this year I bet they don't get six million. We bring in someone from out there and pay them some ridiculous price to do it. I bet an Englishman won't get that.

"I can't get to grips with that [foreign England managers], I never have.

"You can go for anyone in the world for the Champions League and Premier League.

"But internationally it's like what went on in wars - you can't trade generals you have to go for your own.

"Spain and Germany always go for their own. I would rather lose with our own people.

"Some of our guys deserve a chance and can do it. I would just like to see our own man there, win lose or draw."

Venables feels the benefits of Redknapp reportedly being the popular choice should not be underestimated.

"What's good is the fact that everyone wants him to take the England job, he's the popular vote," Venables added.

"The fans shouldn't be making the decision but it is a good thing that the country are behind him. It makes you feel good and it did happen for me in 1996 and it makes you feel really comfortable.

"It's a good start. It might not be a good end, but at least at the start it gives you a great feeling to say 'You can do this'."

The 54-year-old last managed his country in 1998 - losing his job after comments made in a newspaper interview - and has not coached a side since leaving Wolves in 2006.

But, with no-one installed as England boss for the summer tournament following Fabio Capello`s departure, a number of names and options, in particular Harry Redknapp, Roy Hodgson and current caretaker Stuart Pearce, have been mentioned.

Hoddle, though, has added his name to that list by telling the Independent that he feels he has unfinished business with the national job.

"If I were to die tomorrow, my life would be incomplete," he said, referring to his previous stint in charge.

"Would I get that opportunity (to manage England again)? Probably not. But I don't dwell on the past and, if we fast-forward to the present, I think we have a batch of players capable of going to the Euros and doing well. I find it a very interesting moment.

"Because Stuart Pearce, Harry Redknapp, Roy Hodgson, myself - anyone - who went to the tournament with the status of a caretaker would have the pressure off him and the players would be liberated too, not least those who have been on the fringes and are accustomed to thinking that the manager doesn't fancy them."

Hoddle, who won 53 caps for England as a player, does not think that using a caretaker coach is too bad an idea, should Redknapp not take the job on a permanent basis, citing the example of England's rugby union side and its temporary boss, Stuart Lancaster.

"Look at how a caretaker has worked for the England rugby team in the 6 Nations - they've done fantastically," he added.

"Everyone's got an edge. No-one's sure of a place and everyone has an incentive. So I'd back the FA if they decided not to go for a full-time manager yet. If Harry goes and does well, fine."

Capello quit as manager last month after the Football Association stripped Terry of the armband ahead of his trial for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry, who denies any wrong-doing, spoke for the first time about Capello's departure during Chelsea's pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday evening's (Thursday morning AEDT) UEFA Champions League last-16, second leg against Napoli.

The Blues had requested no questions on England but, when asked about Capello by an Italian journalist, Terry was unable to bite his tongue.

"Quite clearly, Fabio backed me," he said.

"That comes from a relationship with myself and him, the relationship we built up.

"I stood for him on the football pitch, and he stood up for me off the pitch.

"I respect that from him, I respect him as a man and for what he did for me. Complete respect both ways."

The FA was content for Terry to remain as captain when the allegations against him first emerged and even after he was charged.

But once his trial date was set after EURO 2012, it performed a U-turn, a decision Capello completely disagreed with.

The Italian's successor, currently interim manager Stuart Pearce, will be free to select Terry for EURO 2012 but not to restore him as skipper.

Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to fill the vacant England manager's job following the resignation of Fabio Capello.

The Tottenham Hotspur manager has spent the last month dealing with questions about the position, and a number of high-profile managers and players from within English football have backed the 65-year-old to succeed Capello.

Redknapp has blown hot and cold when asked about the job, admitting it is the "ultimate" position for any English manager while also conceding it would be hard to leave Spurs after three and a half years of success.

"I'm not sure," Redknapp said in an interview with L'Equipe when asked if he would like to manage England.

"I have a very good job at Tottenham today and I like it. But I do not know. We will wait and see."

At 65 years old, Redknapp would be forgiven for wanting to give up his daily gruelling routine of driving 125 miles to Tottenham's training ground, but he says his life at the London club is blissful and admits the challenges facing an international manager are totally different to those at club level.

"When you have a club, you are looking for a striker and you take them. When you're coach, you must do with the players you have in your country," he added.

"If you do not have a good scorer, you have none. And you almost never see the players. Two days all two months: it is very difficult."

The veteran coach has emerged as a contender to succeed the recently-departed Fabio Capello, although Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Harry Redknapp remains favourite for the post.

The role is seen as one of the hardest in football but Hodgson sees no reason it cannot bring success.

"I don't think any job is impossible," the former Switzerland coach is quoted as saying by various national newspapers.

"England have won a major tournament - only one, but they've still won one - and we are working in a league where football of a very high quality is played and we are producing players who most people would regard as top European standard.

"So, impossible, no."

Asked about being linked to the job, Hodgson added: "I am flattered to be considered."

The Scot has already stated his backing for Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp for the role of Fabio Capello's permanent successor.

Last week, Ferguson even suggested the meeting between United and Spurs at White Hart Lane would be the final time he encountered his old friend in league combat.

This weekend, he takes on another potential candidate in West Brom's Roy Hodgson.

However, when asked to speak about the situation following his side's 3-2 Europa League defeat by Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford, Ferguson said he had been silenced.

"The Premier League has written to me asking me not to talk about the England manager's job," he said. "I don't know why."

The Tottenham Hotspur boss is the overwhelming favourite to become Fabio Capello's permanent successor, with Stuart Pearce currently in caretaker charge.

Ferguson, whose Manchester United side visits Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League on Monday (AEDT), claims the Football Association risks a public backlash if it does not appoint Redknapp.

"I think it's inevitable, Harry and England," Ferguson was quoted as saying by a number of national newspapers.

"I really do. I know the FA are supposed to be drawing up a list, but I don't see anybody else who is being talked about getting it.

"If they went for someone else they would have the public against them and they would be panicking. The drive and energy is all about Harry."

Kuyt, who played a key role in a 3-2 win for the Dutch at Wembley, knows at first hand the qualities of Gerrard as a captain after the duo enjoyed Carling Cup final success on the same ground against Cardiff 72 hours earlier.

England boss Stuart Pearce preferred to give the armband to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker but Kuyt believes that was a mistake.

He said: "For me Stevie is the main one for the England team to be the captain.

"On and off the pitch he is such a personality. Of course, it is up to the manager of England who makes the decision.

"But in my eyes he is the main one. He is the perfect leader for Liverpool and the perfect leader for the England team."

Kuyt is hoping Gerrard's early precautionary substitution with a hamstring injury will mean he is fit to face Arsenal in Sunday's (AEDT lunchtime meeting at Anfield.

He said: "It was difficult for Stevie after 120 minutes and penalties on Sunday in the final.

"To be fair he shouldn't take any risk whatsoever with his injury. Hopefully he took the right decision, went off early, and he won't be a problem for the weekend for another big game."

Parker only discovered he would be skipper when caretaker boss Stuart Pearce revealed his decision after a team meeting just hours before kick-off.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was a surprise choice given the presence of Steven Gerrard in the team and he admitted hearing the news was one of the best moments of his life.

Even the disappointment of Arjen Robben's stoppage-time winner for the Dutch couldn't ruin Parker's day.

Now his attention will turn to holding onto the armband and, asked if he would like to keep the armband, Parker said: "Of course I would. I would like more really. I am going to keep working hard.

"I also understand there's many a player - no-one more than Steven Gerrard and a couple of others - who've obviously been there before and done it.

"It's going to be difficult for me but I would obviously relish the chance to lead the country out again and take it into the Euros.

"Whether that's me or it's not me, I know I'll be fully behind whoever it may be, determined to make England succeed."

Parker revealed Liverpool captain Gerrard was one of the first players to offer his congratulations even though he may have been annoyed at the snub.

"He (Pearce) named his team in a meeting at 10.15 and after the meeting he said I would be captain. That was the first I knew of it," Parker said.

"All the players said congratulations, but Stevie was one of the first to come up to me and congratulate me.

"He said I deserved it and he would support me. He was really pleased for me.

"I wouldn't expect anything less from Stevie. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic professional."

Whether Parker will be deemed captaincy material by whoever the Football Association choose to replace Fabio Capello remains to be seen.

It would clearly help his cause if it is his club manager Harry Redknapp - currently the bookmakers' favourite - but even if Parker doesn't keep the job, he will forever cherish this moment.

Just 12 months ago, the 31-year-old was very much a fringe player at international level and was fighting a losing battle to keep West Ham in the Premier League.

"I could only dream about being England captain as a boy. To get the nod and lead out my country was great," Parker said.

"You don't think about leading the team out until it literally happens and you are standing there. That's when it hits you exactly what the occasion is and what you are doing."

The Reds captain came off in the first half of the 3-2 friendly defeat to the Dutch.

Gerrard had played 120 minutes in the Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff on Monday (AEDT) and was back at Wembley a little over 72 hours later.

He was named in England's starting line-up but lasted just 32 minutes before coming off complaining of a hamstring problem.

Liverpool has yet to assess the extent of the problem.

"Until we know exactly what has happened it is difficult for us to presume anything," Dalglish said.

"I have fantastic respect for 'Pearcey' - he played for us (under Dalglish at Newcastle).

"He is a really straight, honest guy so I don't think he would do anything harmful to the football club".

Caretaker manager Pearce watched the Netherlands snatch a 3-2 victory at the death in the friendly at Wembley after Manchester United winger Young netted a stoppage-time equaliser.

Pearce could yet remain in charge for the European Championships if the Football Association does not appoint a permanent successor to Fabio Capello until after the summer.

And Young believes the 49-year-old did his chance of leading England in Poland and Ukraine no harm at all this week.

"The last few days have been good," Young said.

"Everybody's got bonded and got on with the job.

"We don't know who's going to be the manager but Stuart Pearce was manager for this game and I think he did well."

Pearce picked a side last night containing a blend of youth and experience, with the intention of boosting England's Euro 2012 hopes.

Young, 26, said: "We're building towards the summer - that's what we're looking forward to.

"Some of the new boys that come into the squad who haven't got so many caps are looking to cement their place and they're going to get their opportunity to do that."

Young's United team-mates, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were among them, the former making his full debut and the latter starting at centre-back for the first time.

Welbeck worked tirelessly in the lone striker role and Young said: "He's been brilliant for Man United throughout the season and he was brilliant again.

"He obviously would've wanted to get on the scoresheet but he ran non-stop and worked hard for us."

Smalling went further still, putting his body on the line to try to keep out the Netherlands' second goal only to suffer a sickening clash of heads with Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

The defender was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital with a gashed head.

Young said: "Obviously it's not too nice to see him go off in the way that he did.

"Hopefully, he's going to be all right."

Smalling was replaced by Jones, who slotted in at right-back and laid on Young's goal.

"It was a great through ball from him," the latter said.

"We've seen already this season what he can do and he produced it again."

Young, who netted for the fourth time in his last five internationals, added: "I was delighted to get my goal and delighted with my performance.

"It'd been even better if we'd got a draw.

"The team spirit we showed to get back in the game was vitally important.

"It's a sucker blow when you concede right at the death."

Pearce said: "It's disappointing for us but the exercise was to learn from it. They were up against an outstanding side who had probably their full team out for the start of the game.

"The Robbens and the [Robin] Van Persies of this world are outstanding footballers and the exercise of it will stand our young players in good stead."

The Netherlands fielded a starting line-up that included nine players who took part in the World Cup final in South Africa.

Pearce said: "All we needed was a touch more belief that we could go and hurt an opposition of this ability a touch more. I think it is the missing ingredient that we need to find.

"We had a few skirmishes around their goal. I would have liked to have seen that on a more regular basis possibly."

Pearce confirmed, however, that he would not take the England job full-time, although he would be prepared to take charge for Euro 2012.

"I'm used to being around squads," said Pearce. "The attitude of the players to me has been first class, focused and they have had a go in the game for me.

"I can't ask for any more.

"You can never guarantee any results and if we had come away from here 2-2 there might have been a better feel but it won't affect my mentality in any way.

"I feel I would be confident in taking the squad to the Euros because of the experience I have got as an international player and manager.

"That wouldn't be daunting to me. I don't think after that period I have the experience for this job.

"I really enjoyed this week. I would enjoy the summer if that opportunity was there. All I'm doing is buying the Football Association some time if they've not got someone in place.

"The full-time manager of England is somebody else at this moment in time. It certainly isn't me."

England defender Chris Smalling was taken to hospital, along with Dutchman Huntelaar, after they clashed heads as Huntelaar scored Holland's second goal.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard was substituted in the first half as a precaution after feeling a tight hamstring while Arsenal's van Persie played the first half only.

Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge also limped off with an injured toe.

Meanwhile Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell, who made his debut as a 79th-minute substitute, had an extra reason for celebration.

He tweeted: "Delighted to earn my first international cap and the very same moment I became a dad to Isla rose campbell! #cloud9"

The Sunderland striker, 24, was introduced 79 minutes into the Three Lions' 3-2 friendly defeat by the Netherlands at Wembley.

However, any disappointment at the result was eased after the final whistle when Campbell discovered he had become a dad.

He tweeted: "Delighted to earn my first international cap and the very same moment I became a dad to Isla rose campbell! #cloud9."

It completed an amazing few weeks for the former Manchester United man, who has battled back to full fitness after 18 months out with a serious knee injury.

Arjen Robben scored the winner for the Netherlands in injury-time after goals from Gary Cahill and Ashley Young had looked like earning England an unlikely draw after it conceded two goals in two second-half minutes from Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

It left Pearce rueing his side's timidity against a Netherlands team which fielded nine players in the starting line-up who played in the FIFA World Cup final against Spain in 2010

Pearce said: "All they needed was a touch more belief that they could go and hurt an opposition of this ability a touch more. I think it is the missing ingredient that we need to find.

"It's disappointing for us but the exercise was to learn from it. They were up against an outstanding side who had probably their full team out for the start of the game.

"The Robbens and the (Robin) Van Persies of this world are outstanding footballers and the exercise of it will stand our young players in good stead."

The experience, however, has not swayed Pearce in his view that he is not ready to take on the England job full-time although he confirmed that he would be prepared to take charge for EURO 2012.

Pearce said: "I didn't see it as a big night for me. I'm not auditioning for anything. I thoroughly enjoyed the last three or four days. I'm used to management.

"I'm used to being around squads. The attitude of the players to me has been first class, focused and they have had a go in the game for me. I can't ask for any more. You can never guarantee any results and if we had come away from here 2-2 there might have been a better feel but it won't affect my mentality in any way

"I feel I would be confident in taking the squad to the Euros because of the experience I have got as an international player and manager.

"That wouldn't be daunting to me. I don't think after that period I have the experience for this job. I really enjoyed this week. I would enjoy the summer if that opportunity was there.

"All I'm doing is buying the Football Association some time if they've not got someone in place. The full-time manager of England is somebody else at this moment in time. It certainly isn't me."

England defender Chris Smalling was taken to hospital, along with Huntelaar, after they clashed heads as the Dutchman scored his side's second goal.

Pearce said: "Smalling took a really bad bang on his head. I spoke to him when he came off the pitch and he was conscious so hopefully he will be fine."

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard was substituted in the first half as a precaution after feeling a tight hamstring while Arsenal's Van Persie played the first half only.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk denied there had been any deal done with Arsenal, saying: "I didn't speak with Arsene Wenger. Robin had a bit of a problem with his groin so I spoke to him before the game and said we wouldn't take any risks so he would only play one half."

Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge also limped off with an injured toe

Pearce praised his captain, Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker, explaining why he chose him as skipper.

"I felt Scotty would grow with the role," said Pearce. "I've seen his interaction with the other players. He is well respected in the group and is an extremely unselfish player. He was an ideal man to captain the team.

"I would have liked to have come in at 2-2 and said decent result and a fair result. Credit to them, they have beaten us.

"We had a few skirmishes around their goal. I would have liked to have seen that on a more regular basis possibly."

Two down after an hour after goals by Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Harry Redknapp must have been sat at home wondering whether he really wanted the 'impossible job'.

By the time England had rallied manfully in the final five minutes and dragged itself level through Gary Cahill and Ashley Young, interim boss Stuart Pearce had claims on being Fabio Capello's replacement for EURO 2012.

Robben's brilliant response - his second superb goal of the evening - gave the host a reality check. But after the madness, now the Football Association must get to work and sort out who will lead England into the northern summer, and whether Scott Parker gets to keep the captain's armband.

The stability the Netherlands brought to Wembley, starting with nine of the team that began the FIFA World Cup final, under the same coach, Bert van Marwijk, contrasted sharply with the upheaval England has endured.

Coach and captain were making their debuts in the role - neither secure of the status beyond this game - while Leighton Baines was among the four players to keep their spots from the November win over Sweden, with Ashley Cole on the bench.

On his first England start since November 2007, Micah Richards tempered his normal attacking instincts, yet when he did get forward, the combination with Manchester City team-mate Adam Johnson was quite rewarding.

Johnson had a goalbound shot deflected wide by John Heitinga, then released Richards, whose pass to Young led to calls for a penalty when the Manchester United man half went down under Heitinga's tackle.

Yet all too quickly, Pearce had to rip up his game plan as Steven Gerrard ambled off, as a precaution it was claimed, after feeling a niggle in his hamstring. A worrying end to an unsatisfactory day all round for the man so many expected would get the job Parker was given.

Daniel Sturridge's introduction meant Johnson had to swap sides, which rather curtailed his involvement.

The new boy did well, though. Sturridge was the source of England's first shot on target after the break, when his strike flew through a packed area and was beaten away by Maarten Stekelenburg.

The Netherlands had managed one in the opening period, from the boot of Robben, which Joe Hart was equal to.

There was also the rare sight of Robin van Persie failing to snaffle a decent chance, the Arsenal man - who shrugged off worries about a groin injury to play - scooping over from 12 yards.

Amidst it all, Parker scurried and cajoled, making his tackles, putting his body on the line and leading from the front, just as Pearce wanted.

At one point the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was the meat in a touchline sandwich with Nigel de Jong and Dirk Kuyt, and then landed on a camera stand.

England had reason to be quite pleased with itself, but that changed in the space of two minutes just before the hour.

Sturridge conceded possession to Robben inside his own half, failed to track back properly, then watched as the former Chelsea winger scorched to the other end of the field and exploited a momentary misunderstanding between Chris Smalling and Cahill before drilling a precise shot past Hart.

The Netherlands scored again on its next attack as Huntelaar got the better of Smalling to nod home Kuyt's cross.

The awful consequence of that goal was a sickening clash of heads between Huntelaar and Smalling, which ended the involvement of both in the game.

Huntelaar was so groggy that initially he still had the clump of grass in his mouth that got lodged there when he landed.

At least he was able to walk off, though. Smalling departed on a stretcher, although he was conscious.

Sturridge wasted England's best chance when he anticipated Baines' misdirected shot but then tamely turned the ball to Stekelenburg.

Cahill showed him how it should be done five minutes from time when he collected Baines' throughball and finished neatly.

It was the prelude to a mad finish as England seemed to have secured a draw in stoppage-time when Phil Jones rolled a brilliant throughball to Young, who clipped home, only for Robben's second moment of class to give the visitor victory.

Despite being just 18 years old, Oxlade-Chamberlain has made a big impression since he joined the north London club last summer from Southampton.

Wenger had intended to integrate Oxlade-Chamberlain slowly in to the Gunners side but the pacy winger has made already 16 appearances this season, scoring four goals.

The Frenchman is cautious about giving Oxlade-Chamberlain too much game time as he feels it may hamper the youngster's physical development, but he also admits he is finding it hard to resist fielding the player after his recent displays.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was omitted from Stuart Pearce's England squad for the friendly against Netherlands at Wembley but Wenger believes the youngster is destined to make the cut for this summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

"Physically we have to monitor him because after every game he can have a little problem," Wenger said on Arsenal's website.

"We know now that a large percentage of players who play a lot of games between the ages of 18 and 21 have bony stress responses. I never expected the number to be so high.

"[It happens] because your skeleton is not completely finished and the bones are not completely developed to absorb the kinds of shocks you get in the Premier League.

"We have to be cautious about that. But you are always in a trap when the player is as good as he is, like Jack Wilshere is too.

"You cannot take him out of the team, you have to keep him there. They can win you games.

"Until the end of the season there is no problem and if he continues to play like this I am convinced he will go to Euro 2012."

The 31-year-old defender played through the pain after initially suffering the problem at the start of last month but went under the knife last week.

He told The Sun: "The operation went well and I'm feeling really good.

"The surgeon has shaved off a bit of bone in my right knee that was rubbing and causing a lot of swelling.

"We're all confident the operation has solved the problem and it is looking good for a quick return.

"The medical staff say four to six weeks before I can play again. But, hopefully, it might be sooner.

"I'll definitely be back before the end of the season to help the team in the Premier League run-in and for the Euros."

The interim boss said last week it would be Tuesday or Wednesday before he made his decision public. And after one full training session and another on Monday in which half his players were unable to play any meaningful role, he has opted to leave it until the day of a friendly with FIFA World Cup runner-up the Netherlands.

"The captain will be announced when the team is announced tomorrow at around 10am," said Pearce.

"It is the format I had at Manchester City and the England Under-21s and I see no reason to change at this moment in time."

It does however appear that Pearce has someone in mind.

Football Association officials were anxious to make sure no one jumped to any conclusions about the fact goalkeeper Joe Hart - one of the candidates - had been put forward for Tuesday's pre-match press conference, normally the captain's prerogative.

Hart has been under consideration though, as have James Milner and Scott Parker.

"Joe is an outstanding young goalkeeper," said Pearce.

"I would never be against naming a goalkeeper. I played with one, Peter Shilton. I wouldn't rule anybody out. He is a big character within the group but at this stage, all we are doing is speculating."

The overwhelming favourite is Liverpool's Steven Gerrard. The difficulty appeared to be how Pearce intended to use the 31-year-old given he was a central figure in that gruelling Carling Cup final at Wembley and will also be needed by Liverpool for its Saturday lunchtime (local time) engagement with Arsenal this weekend.

Yet Pearce, whilst eager to reassure Kenny Dalglish he had the player's interests at heart, says there are no issues with Gerrard's fitness and he is available to bridge a gap of over 15 months since his last England appearance.

"Steven is fit enough to start," said Pearce.

"We are acutely aware of the difficulties anyone would have had after playing on Sunday.

"Steven and Stewart Downing played extra-time and we have had to look after them. Also Scott Parker, with regard to the physical and emotional effort he put in at Arsenal. The important thing is to try and keep everyone fresh."

After the withdrawals of Kyle Walker, Tom Cleverley, Wayne Rooney and Darren Bent, Pearce suffered a further injury blow when Glen Johnson returned to Liverpool.

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, a surprise omission in the first place, has been drafted in as a replacement.

However, the odds are now that Micah Richards will start his first England game in over four years after largely being frozen out by Fabio Capello.

Richards is just one of a number of young players who have something to prove against the Dutch and, explaining his decision not to select any more strikers, Pearce said he was actually quite pleased at the fact his three remaining forwards, Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Fraizer Campbell, have just four caps between them.

"We are in the home run to the championships," said Pearce.

"We have to find out about one or two individuals in the squad and this is a great opportunity, against one of the favourites for the tournament."

Pearce revealed he had been in touch with Capello, both last week and on Monday, as England gathered for the first time since he resigned in such dramatic circumstances three weeks ago.

Although a picture of Capello was removed from one of the side-rooms in which Tuesday's various briefings took place, Pearce has no wish to airbrush the Italian out of his own history, thanking him for the time he has been able to spend further his own career.

That could yet lead to him being named as England coach for EURO 2012 although Pearce still insists he is not the right man for the job long-term.

"The mentality I have today will be the same on Thursday morning, regardless of what happens tomorrow evening," he said.

"The process of finding the next manager will continue. I will just try and put everything in place so the next man can walk through the door, straight into a job with everything planned out for him ready to take the team to the tournament.

"All he will have to do is pick a squad.

"If someone is in during that time frame, fantastic. I will offer my services. If he doesn't need me, I will support from afar.

"I have no ego but if the FA need me to take the squad to the Euros in the summer I would have no problem with that either.

"I would do it with pleasure."

The Aston Villa striker visited a top ankle specialist in London and his worst fears were confirmed by the midlands club.

It means he is unlikely to be available until the end of May, with England's first action at EURO 2012 on 11 June.

The 28-year-old wrote on Twitter: "I'm gutted to be out for so long at such a crucial part of the season.

"Hopefully my recovery will be as quick as possible and thank you to everyone for your messages of support."

Bent suffered the injury during his side's Premier League clash at Wigan Athletic.

A Villa statement read: "Darren Bent has undergone scans and he has seen a top ankle specialist this afternoon in London.

"He faces up to 12 weeks on the sidelines having ruptured ankle ligaments in his left foot in the game against Wigan and he is unlikely to play again this season.

"Dr Ian McGuinness and the Villa medical staff have been liaising with the England medical team about the extent of his injury.

"Darren will undergo a further examination in seven days to determine the need for an operation."

With Wayne Rooney suspended for the opening two games of the tournament, Bent was set to play a key role for his country after establishing himself as an England first choice under former boss Fabio Capello.

He was desperate to play in a major tournament for the first time after being overlooked for the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

Interim coach Stuart Pearce highlighted Manchester City midfielder Milner as someone possessing all the qualities required to skipper his country.

It would be a dream come true for Milner who says he would not be put off with the extra responsibility and spotlight that would be on his shoulders should he be chosen to wear the armband.

Asked if he was ready to be captain, Milner said: "I don't see why not. I have played enough games in the Premier League and played for nearly 10 years now as a professional.

"People say I'm the ideal age to be a captain, between the younger players and the more experienced ones. I can't control that. but if asked to do the job I will jump at the chance.

"As a kid growing up, you want to play for your country and dream of one day captaining your country. If I am asked to do that, I would be very proud and do it to the best of my ability on and off the field.

"As a footballer I always try to do everything I can to maximise the best out of my abilities. It would be the same if you were asked to be captain.

"You'd do everything you can to help yourself and the team. Nothing changes there, really. Your responsibilities and media demands go up and people might look on you slightly differently.

"But as a player you still go out there to play as well as you can for England. The team comes first as always, whether you've got an armband on or not."

Milner admits being part of a dressing room full of big-name players at Manchester City on a daily basis might aid him if he is chosen to lead England.

He said: "Maybe that would be case. I've been very blessed to play for some big teams and very big players, none bigger than the dressing room I'm in now at City.

"If you look at the people in that dressing room, it's full of world-class players and the pressure is on every week to perform, to go out and win trophies.

"Hopefully you can do that, but all the time you're growing as a person and as a player as much as you can.

"I was pretty lucky to start my career at 16, play for a number of years and maybe get a head-start. All the time you're trying to improve as a player but also as a person on and off the field.

"As you get older, you are not just concentrating on yourself but thinking of how you can help younger players coming through and thinking what you can do for the team to help the performance."

Milner gives a ringing endorsement of the qualities of Pearce, having worked under him when under-21 manager at two European championship finals.

He believes Pearce would have the qualities needed to lead England at EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine if the Football Association board appoints him.

Milner said: "At this moment in time, Stuart Pearce is the manager and, if he took us to the finals, he's got the experience as a player and manager to do that and I think he'd do a very good job.

"He has that passion and, as a manager, he has gone to a couple of under-21 championships, which are very different to club football, and we were unlucky in both.

"As a manager, he knows when to kick you up the backside and knows when to put an arm around you.

"He knows how to get the best out of players before the game. You have the talk before the game and you go out onto the field raring to go.

"People expect him to always be punching walls and throwing tea cups but that is not the case. He does it on the rare occasions it is needed but a lot of the time he knows what to say in a calm way."

The Football Association has not revealed the precise reason for Walker's absence.

However, it is believed to be fitness related even though the full-back completed the full 90 minutes of Tottenham's remarkable 5-2 defeat at Arsenal.

Cleverley would almost certainly have made his senior bow against Holland in August, but the match was called off due to the London riots.

Fabio Capello deemed the September Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales too important to let the 23-year-old loose, since when he has been struck down by injury.

Stuart Pearce picked him in his 25-man squad for Wednesday's rearranged encounter with the Dutch after only one game back in the United side.

But Cleverley is sidelined once more, this time by another ankle injury.

"Very disappointed not to be joining up with the England squad tonight," Cleverley wrote on Twitter.

"And again, it isn't a recurrence of the injury, it's the other leg."

It means Cleverley only has the pre-tournament friendlies against Norway and Belgium in which to stake a claim for a European Championship berth.

That is not Pearce's major problem though because, with Cleverley's United team-mate Wayne Rooney and Aston Villa's Darren Bent both ruled out, England is suffering from a major lack of firepower.

Just Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Frazier Campbell, who have only four caps between them, remain from the strikers Pearce originally selected.

The interim coach does have the option of selecting Steven Gerrard or Ashley Young in advanced attacking roles.

An alternative would be to draft in additional bodies, with Liverpool's Andy Carroll a more likely alternative than Peter Crouch, who scored for Stoke City in its win over Swansea City on Sunday, and Jermain Defoe given the relatively youthful nature of Pearce's squad overall.

Ater the ankle injury Darren Bent suffered in Aston Villa's goalless draw with Wigan Athletic that Alex McLeish confirmed would prevent his participation, Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley were also sidelined.

Neither man was able to play for the Premier League champion in its win over Norwich City at Carrow Road. Rooney has not recovered from a throat infection and Cleverley has an ankle injury.

"Very disappointed not to be joining up with the England squad tonight," Cleverley posted on Twitter.

"And again, it isn't a recurrence of the injury, it's the other leg."

It continues the spate of bad luck Cleverley has endured with the senior squad.

He was earmarked to make his debut in the August friendly against the Netherlands only for the match to be called off due to the London riots.

After not being used in the EURO 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales in September, Cleverley has not been fit since but just one game after his return from injury this month, was selected by Pearce and had been tipped to play in the rearranged game against the Dutch this week.

That will not happen now, leaving the 23-year-old just two games - against Norway and Belgium - to make his mark before the final EURO 2012 squad has to be submitted.

Pearce has opted not to make any official announcement about his squad on Sunday evening.

However, with both Rooney and Bent missing, he is left with just Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Fraizer Campbell from the strikers he originally selected.

That chronic shortage of numbers will surely trigger at least one replacement, although Pearce does have the option of selecting Steven Gerrard or Ashley Young in advanced attacking roles.

The alternatives would be to draft in additional bodies, with Liverpool's Andy Carroll a more likely alternative that Peter Crouch, who scored for Stoke City in its win over Swansea City, and Jermain Defoe given the relatively youthful nature of his squad.

The 31-year-old, who has won 89 caps, has been hit by injuries over the last two seasons and, while he admits he loves playing for his country, he knows calling time on the international stage could help prolong his club career.

He was quoted as saying in The People: "It's something I am going to have to sit down and think about after the Euros this summer.

"I've not spoken to anybody about it yet, nor have I made any decision about what I might I do because there are a lot of things to consider.

"I'm just fully focused on doing as well as I can for Liverpool this season and then playing in the Euros for England. After that we will see that happens.

"First and foremost is that I love playing for England and to captain your country is the pinnacle for any player so that makes me proud," added Gerrard, who captained England during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

"And I want to make this clear, when I do decide to stop playing international football it would never be because I don't want to play for my country - it would never be because of that.

"But I am aware of the future, the injuries I've had and I want to play for Liverpool for as long as I can. I also know there are quite a few players who have stopped playing international football to prolong their club careers and it's helped them to do that.

"I can understand why people might think that kind of a decision is approaching and I've spoken to my surgeon and the medical people but, like I say, I've not made any decisions because there is no need yet."

As a veteran of 78 senior appearances for his country, including two major tournament semi-finals, and coach of the Under-21 squad since 2007, Pearce is acutely aware of how England's chances of ending its long wait for international glory this northern summer will be ramped up in the weeks before the big kick-off.

That the Three Lions have done nothing to justify such feelings matters little.

"The expectation is vastly too high every time we go to major tournaments," he said.

"We play against some top-line countries and we take them on as though we're superior outside the footballing environment.

"We'll take on Spain here with an even-steven mentality when what they have achieved in the last four years by far and away exceeds what we've achieved.

"The expectation that will follow and lead the team into the tournament will be slightly out of tilt with reality.

"I don't want to play down our chances of winning anything, I wouldn't do that, but trophy cabinets don't lie. And look at ours."

Pearce unveiled a youthful squad yesterday for next Wednesday's friendly with Holland.

Following Fabio Capello's shock exit, it is widely anticipated Pearce is only keeping the seat warm until such time as Harry Redknapp severs his ties with Tottenham.

However, listening to the firmness of Pearce's own statements, nothing can be taken for granted, in the short-term at least.

"I've said to my bosses that if they need me to take the team in the summer I've got the experience," he said.

"Someone on the football side has to be planning. That's why I've been in the building over the last five years, for situations like this when someone has to step into the breach.

"I don't sit here and pretend I've got the answers to all the ills in football. I am a pretty lightly-raced coach, if you like.

"But I have a lot of tournament experience. That is the only thing I can offer."

It was not so much Pearce's words that came as a surprise, more the force with which they were delivered, unprompted.

The implication was clear, even though it did come with those caveats.

"At this moment in time I don't have the experience to be the full-time England manager, so my run would end in the summer," he said.

"And I fully expect they would have manager in place to take the team to the Euros.

"But I am here and available if I am needed."

The Manchester City defender has been recalled to the England squad by Stuart Pearce, ending virtually four years as an outsider.

Richards collected a single cap under Fabio Capello, as a second-half substitute in a friendly defeat by France in November 2010.

It was felt the Italian did not believe Richards' defensive abilities were up to the standards required.

However, first choice under previous boss Steve McClaren, who turned Richards into England's youngest defender, the full-back never received an explanation for his continued omission.

And when he was called into the squad for the Three Lions' crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers with Bulgaria and Montenegro, but then never even made the bench as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones were picked out of position instead, Richards realised the situation was not likely to change.

"I was only there because of injuries, not because he wanted me there," said Richards.

"To be frozen out of the international team, it hurts. I am just being honest. Everyone wants to play for their national team.

"I never had an explanation. I always asked the question but I was never given an answer.

"I didn't get a chance under Capello. If I get one under Stuart Pearce, Harry Redknapp or whoever it is I will be delighted.

"If I go in, have a stinker and don't get picked again, I will hold my hands up. I will be happy just to get that chance."

Normally the most jovial of characters, Richards admitted there were times when he felt bemused and upset at the constant rejection, especially at a time when he was so secure with his club that Roberto Mancini made him skipper during Vincent Kompany's recent absence.

"Of course I felt it," he said.

"Every player wants to play for their country, especially when they are at a team that is doing so well.

"He (Capello) had his favourites. He liked Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker.

"Sometimes as a player, you just have to take it on the chin. If the manager fancies someone else, you have to deal with it."

Thankfully, Richards opted not to book his northern summer holidays early.

More than any other player he stands to benefit from Capello's exit, which, despite the obvious personal benefits, left him with mixed feelings.

"I was surprised when he went," he said.

"I thought we had just started to get a little bit back from the players.

"A lot of people thought he was this strict schoolteacher. By the end of it, he was really good with the lads. He was really chilled out.

"I thought we had a good chance this summer but it was not meant to be."

Not that Richards believes he can start packing for Poland and Ukraine just yet either.

For all the tweaking Pearce has done to the Three Lions squad for Wednesday's (Thursday AEDT) meeting with the 2010 beaten World Cup finalists, all the players who stood in Richards' way under Capello have been included.

"Some people said I might get a chance but I didn't want to say that," he said.

"Kyle Walker has been playing well. Glen Johnson has been doing well at Liverpool. The boys at Manchester United offer another option as well.

"I don't automatically think I am going to get a chance.

"You never know what is going to happen in football.

"If I was to get on the plane, I would be the proudest man."

It is a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Campbell, who has suffered so many injuries during his time on Wearside.

The former Manchester United man now joins Wayne Rooney, Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge as the strikers in a youthful 25-man squad that also includes Manchester City full-back Micah Richards.

England caretaker boss Pearce has backed "exciting talent" Fraizer Campbell to thrive at international level.

The 24-year-old came back into the Black Cats side this season after nearly 18 months out of the side and has made an immediate impact with two goals under new boss Martin O'Neill.

Pearce, who has managed Campbell at under-21 level, said: "I know Fraizer quite well because the heads-up I've got is I've taken the majority of these boys to under-21 tournaments. He was fantastic on the road with us at under-21 level.

"He's come back into the Sunderland side and given them a real lift. I spoke to Martin about him at a game a few days ago and he spoke very highly of him.

"He's worked fantastically well to get back from the injury he's had. He's an exciting talent. I think he'll thrive by coming into this environment."

England squad is:

Goalkeepers: Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Robert Green (West Ham United).

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Young (Manchester United), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Forwards: Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Interim boss Stuart Pearce is set to unveil the Three Lions squad for this month's friendly with the Netherlands on Thursday.

Prior to Fabio Capello's shock departure, there had been some speculation that Scholes was again on the Italian's radar after his sensational retirement U-turn.

Capello had already made one failed attempt to get Scholes back in an England shirt for the first time since Euro 2004 ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Now Pearce must decide whether to turn the clock back.

And whilst United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already ruled it out, Dublin can see the merits of Scholes starring for his country again at the ripe old age of 37.

"I can see that," said Dublin.

"I imagine if you took a poll of players, there wouldn't be many who didn't want Paul Scholes in their side. He defies age.

"He hasn't lost any passion for the game. He has an aura about him that makes you think he can do anything.

"He is a very special player."

Redknapp is the clear favourite to replace Fabio Capello after the Italian stepped down from his position as England manager last week.

The Spurs boss has not hidden the fact that he would be happy to replace Capello, but he is also desperate to see out the rest of the season at Tottenham in the hope that he can deliver the club its first league title in 51 years.

Redknapp has been peppered with questions about the England job since Capello resigned last week, but was the first time where he appealed for the FA to wait until May before making its appointment.

The Premier League season ends on May 13, and Euro 2012 starts on June 8.

"It would be easier for everybody (if the FA waited until the end of the season)," Redknapp said.

"Whoever they go for, they will probably be in a job anyway so it's going to be difficult for them to walk out of their clubs at this stage of the year.

"It wouldn't be fair, whatever happened or whoever was asked."

Redknapp has climbed to the top of the queue for the position thanks to his excellent management of Tottenham.

The 64-year-old took over three years ago when Tottenham was bottom of the Premier League, but it is now in a position to challenge for its first top-flight title since 1961.

Redknapp's men trail league leader Manchester City by seven points and the former Portsmouth boss would be loathe to leave the club now when he believes it is on the verge of something special.

"I couldn't do anything or go anywhere now," he said.

"This is where I am. I have to concentrate on Tottenham. If I didn't it wouldn't be right for the club.

"We have had a great season, I wouldn't want the players to start thinking, 'What is he doing, is he going, is he staying?'.

"I am here and I have to be until the end of the season, whatever happens.

"I owe it to Tottenham to keep concentrating on the end of the season, because there is so much to play for."

Redknapp has been in Dubai this week recovering after a draining 13-day trial which ended with him being cleared of two charges of tax evasion.

While in the Emirate, Redknapp gave an interview to Abu Dhabi Sports in which he appeared to admit he would be willing to lead England during Euro 2012 while remaining in charge of Spurs.

He backtracked on that statement, citing Sir Alex Ferguson's bad experience of managing Scotland on a part-time basis at the 1986 FIFA World Cup after the death of Jock Stein.

"If Sir Alex struggled, it has got to be tough, hasn't it?" Redknapp said.

"Mind you, it was Scotland, so it is different! But if somebody takes it to the end of the Euros and it does not go well, where do you go then? Back to your club with your tail between your legs, I suppose.

"It's a job that somebody has got to go in and do full time."

Redknapp denies all the paper talk and clamour for him to take over as England boss has distracted either him or his squad.

"The talk was going on all that day before the Newcastle game last weekend and they came out and played some fantastic football," said Redknapp, whose team face Stevenage in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday (Monday 01:00 AEDT).

"It is not a distraction, not at all.

"I have just been thinking about Stevenage all week."

Redknapp expects a hard test against the League One club.

"It will be a tough game," he said.

"They will be up for it, but we are a good team as well and if we play as we can we should win, but we know we will have to be at our best to do so."

He insists, however, that it would be "impossible" to marry both jobs on a long-term basis, claiming such a move would hamper the national side's chances of success and be "unfair" on the Tottenham fans who supported him during his recent tax evasion trial.

Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss after the Italian's shock resignation last week.

The Football Association is keen to appoint an Englishman and Redknapp fits the bill having built up his reputation during a stellar three-year period at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp had previously hinted that he would only consider taking charge of England on a long-term basis, but the 64-year-old now appears willing to take on a dual role for a short period.

"Part-time? In the short term I think it's possible for the European championships," said Redknapp, who then stressed such a move would not be possible after the Euros.

"In the long term it's not possible to manage a club team and manage a national team," he said.

"It's difficult enough to manage in the Premier League without having to worry about managing the England team as well. You want to be watching England players play, you want to be watching the opposition.

"I think whoever they give the job to could only do the one job.

"Maybe for the Euros, it's not such a problem but once the Euros are finished and the new season starts in England, the manager has to be a Premier League manager - if it's someone who manages in the Premier League - or the England manager.

"To do the two jobs, it would be impossible."

The FA met last week to draw up a shortlist for the position but it may wait until after England's next friendly on February 29, or even the end of the season, before appointing Capello's successor.

Having guided Spurs to third in the English Premier League this year, and to within one win of the last eight of the FA Cup, the north London club would be very reluctant to allow its manager to leave White Hart Lane before the end of the season.

Redknapp himself also feels indebted to the Spurs faithful, who have been supportive of their manager during and after the 13-day trial which he called "the most draining experience of my life".

"Just to walk away now, when we're in such a good position, it wouldn't be fair, it wouldn't be fair on Tottenham. I have to really keep focusing on Tottenham," Redknapp told Abu Dhabi Sports.

"I have a good job and I work with good people and I have a good team. The fans have been fantastic to me."

Redknapp has been spending time in Abu Dhabi this week in order to recuperate from his trial, at the end of which he was cleared of two counts of cheating the public revenue.

Despite the break, he is well aware that the majority of the nation back home is clamouring for him to replace Capello.

"I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't the popular choice," Redknapp added.

"I know I am, it's been everywhere, in every paper every day But it's not an easy one.

"This week we have Stevenage in the FA Cup, then we have Man United, then we have Arsenal, then we have Chelsea. We have some fantastic games.

"It's an important time for me with Tottenham."

The Stoke City striker's last game for the national team came in a friendly defeat by France in November 2010, with Crouch then finding himself out of favour.

But Capello's decision to resign last week could be good news for Crouch, especially if Harry Redknapp, the 31-year-old's manager at Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur and hot favourite for the job, does succeed the Italian.

"I've not been in the last few squads," Crouch said.

"Whoever takes over hopefully will start picking me again but it's only what you do for your club that warrants getting in the England set-up again so I've got to play well for Stoke, score goals and hopefully that will come."

Crouch will hope to end a six-game streak without scoring when Stoke faces Valencia on Friday (AEDT) in the first leg of its UEFA Europa League last-32 tie.

The Potters have exceeded expectations in the competition, coming through a group containing Dynamo Kiev, Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv, but boss Tony Pulis has hit out at the scheduling that sees them face Crawley in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

The Welshman said: "It's a massive ask for us. We're desperately keen to do well in both cup competitions so to have two massive games put so close together, you need sometimes a little bit of help from the people above and I don't think we've got any help whatsoever.

"We've treated both competitions in the right spirit and you need a little bit of help back. To put us on Sunday morning, to travel all the way down to Crawley after playing Valencia Thursday night, I'm very disappointed with the way that's worked out.

"Maybe people have to look at it and say, for clubs who do approach it in the right way and want to put their strongest teams out, let's try to help them a little bit, otherwise you get situations where teams just don't play their best teams because their priorities are elsewhere.

"The Premier League is the goose that's laying the golden egg and if the cup competitions want to be held in higher esteem then put them in slots where you have time to prepare for them, to pick your best team and move on to the next game without any worries."

Scholes has not played for England since retiring from international football in 2004 at the age of 29.

The Manchester United midfielder hung up his boots completely last summer but answered an SOS from Sir Alex Ferguson last month and has seamlessly slotted back into the Red Devils' squad as they look to pip bitter local rivals Manchester City to the Barclays Premier League title.

Scholes turned down the opportunity to play at the 2010 World Cup when offered the chance by Fabio Capello - a move he later said he regretted.

He may now get a crack at another international tournament with England however, if, as expected Redknapp takes over from the Italian as national coach this summer.

"Let's be honest, you'd love to have Paul Scholes in the Euros this year," the Tottenham boss said.

"He'd be in your team, he's that good. You'd love him to play. He plays like a Spaniard, he can play like (Barcelona's) Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta. He doesn't give the ball away."

A four-man Football Association panel met on Friday to discuss potential successors to Capello, who resigned from his position on Wednesday following the row that has engulfed former captain John Terry.

Terry has been stripped of the armband until his trial over alleged racist comments towards Anton Ferdinand is heard in the summer after Euro 2012 - allegations he denies.

The FA began the process of drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements for Capello on Friday and having turned Spurs from relegation candidates to title-chasers within a little over three years, Redknapp is the clear favourite.

However, despite rising speculation that an announcement might be imminent, Press Association Sport understands this is not the case.

As they stressed on Thursday, the FA want to take its time to ensure they get the right man.

Internal discussions will continue this week but with Stuart Pearce already confirmed as interim manager for the friendly with Holland at Wembley on February 29, official duties would not have to begin until the end of the season anyway.

That would certainly be beneficial in any recruitment out of the Premier League, where every place is vital, even if it is only for financial reasons.

The FA are anxious to stress no individuals, representatives or clubs have been contacted as yet, and there are no immediate plans to do so.

It would still be a major surprise if Redknapp was not the first choice though.

And, should he take over, it appears that he will appoint either Spurs midfielder Scott Parker, or Liverpool captain Gerrard as national skipper.

"Scotty could do it for sure, so could Steven Gerrard," Redknapp said.

"Scotty is a fantastic boy, he's a family man, he loves his football, he trains well, he plays well, he gets on with the job, he's not a minute's problem.

"He's not a Billy big-time. He's just a great boy and that's what you need in your football club if you're going to do anything."

As assistant to Jock Stein, Ferguson was the obvious choice to take over when the legendary Celtic boss collapsed and died at Ninian Park in 1985.

With the FIFA World Cup in Mexico to plan for, it gave Ferguson an immensely heavy workload.

And, as the clamour for old friend Harry Redknapp to take over the England job continues, Ferguson's memories of that time may offer a unique insight into what would be being risked if it was decided to balance the interests of Tottenham with those of the national team.

"I enjoyed it with Scotland and it was a good experience but it was difficult for me," said Ferguson.

"I had five or six Aberdeen players in the squad and when I took the job in November we were top of the league and we ended up third.

"It did have an impact in terms of my appearances at the training ground during international breaks and games.

"We won the double because we won the two cups but I think we would have won the treble if I hadn't taken the Scotland job."

Ferguson is adamant Redknapp is the right candidate, fulfilling all the criteria he feels must be fulfilled.

Specifically, the United boss has always argued the case for experience, believing the entire international scene suits an older person.

"It is for someone who has achieved a lot at club level and is at an age where the national team job is more attractive than a club one," he said.

"There is a tremendous difference in your day-to-day life as a national team manager as opposed to being a Premier League manager.

"That's why it has always suited someone who is mature, who has achieved a lot and has the experience to handle the pitfalls of international management."

And, though it goes against the grain to agree with the media, Ferguson feels Redknapp is the man.

"There's no doubt Harry's the best man," said Ferguson.

"He has good experience, the personality and knowledge of the game. He's changed the fortunes of every club he's been at. It's the right choice."

The one problem Ferguson can see however, is whether Redknapp can be torn away from Tottenham at this stage of the season.

Never before has Redknapp come so close to a league title, having built an exciting squad that has taken the Premier League by storm and looks set to claim an automatic UEFA Champions League place at the very minimum.

"He has a very attractive team and they can win the league," said Ferguson.

"I don't know what is going through his mind at this time but I am sure that is."

The Football Association hierarchy began its search for Capello's permanent replacement, having vowed to take its time and draw up a shortlist of potential candidates.

However, Redknapp is the logical choice and by far the most popular amongst the wider public.

In the short term, he would be in a no-lose situation, knowing any success at Euro 2012 would bring him the credit, whilst failure would be blamed on Capello.

But Redknapp has been around long enough to know no one gets away totally unscathed from one of the toughest jobs in the world.

"Let's not kid ourselves, it is aggro," he said.

"You know what's coming. There has been a lot of great managers and when someone like Capello finds it hard going, it has got to be hard going and no one likes personal abuse, do they?

"Everybody always thinks they can pick a better team than the manager, so you have to make sure your team wins then no one can argue with you.

"But if you get beaten, you've got a problem."

Redknapp confirmed his belief he would remain at Tottenham for the remainder of the season.

So, with Stuart Pearce installed as caretaker boss for this month's friendly with Netherlands, one plausible scenario would be for Redknapp to take over England duties for the friendlies against Norway and Belgium, then into a Euro 2012 campaign for which the majority of planning has already been completed.

Redknapp has admitted to uncertainty over whether the England job could be done part time.

However, in these circumstances, it is difficult to see why not, if Redknapp wants the job.

"I don't think you ever think you're going to be in a position [where you will be appointed manager]," he said.

"I haven't got a big ego. There has been cleverer boys about than me who haven't had the opportunities I've had.

"I've been lucky to have the opportunities and I've done well when I've had them.

"But whilst it is flattering to be mentioned at the moment, I never think I should be doing this or that."

The question of how to get the most from under-performing players remains the toughest to answer.

Capello tried the disciplined method, which met with resistance.

It seems Redknapp's plan would be to massage the egos.

"England have got great players, it's about getting the best out of them," he said.

"It's the same for everyone. If the editor is telling you you're doing a great job, you feel good. If he keeps telling you you are rubbish, it's murder. Your confidence goes.

"We all want a pat on the back.

"I want the chairman to say well done to me. I love it if he says, Harry, you aren't half doing a good job for us."

The national team will have a new skipper for this northern summer's UEFA European Championship after the controversial decision to relieve John Terry of the armband last week, which ultimately led to Fabio Capello's departure as England boss.

Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard and Tottenham's Scott Parker are thought to be among the favourites but Mancini thinks in-form City midfielder Barry is an excellent candidate.

The Italian said: "He could be [captain] because he is a good man, a clever man on and off the pitch. He is a really good player.

"For me, like for Capello, he should play always for the national team because he is a very intelligent man.

"He has played a lot of games for the national team but I think there are two or three players who could be captain."

Barry, 30, has become an England regular in the past four seasons and now has 51 caps to his name.

Mancini has been impressed with his performances at club level this season, feeling the former Aston Villa player has had a key role in City's Barclays Premier League title challenge.

Mancini said: "Gareth is a strange player.

"In every team there are some players who seem not important but, in the end, they are the most important players.

"These players are quiet but they can play in every position, they help the manager, their teammates.

"They are always available and fight for every ball. Gareth is a player like this. He is really important."

Barry is set to feature against his old club at Villa Park on Sunday (AEDT).

But in the end, Harry Redknapp had to admit managing England is the ultimate job.

After the initial explanations, the Club England board went into lock-down as it began the process of finding Fabio Capello's successor.

The Football Association refused to offer any detail on a Wembley meeting between the four men - FA chairman David Bernstein, chief executive Alex Horne, director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking and Club England managing director Adrian Bevington - who must decide the next England manager.

In fairness, they have already laid down the criteria and how they will look for far more integration within the England youth teams than Capello ever seemed willing to consider.

But it still comes back to one man, the man endorsed by Sir Alex Ferguson just 45 minutes before he swept into the small meeting room at Spurs Lodge, Tottenham's training base in Chigwell to face so many members of the media some had to be turned away.

"It has to be," said Redknapp, when asked if managing England was the ultimate.

"But you also have to understand what a tough job it is.

"No-one has a magic wand and the list of top-class managers who have all gone in full of hope, people like Kevin Keegan, who did a fantastic job at Newcastle, and they all found it very, very difficult.

"It's certainly not an easy job. Whoever takes that job has a real job on their hands."

If Redknapp happened to be listening to a radio for any section of the three-hour journey from his Dorset home to Spurs' Essex base, the whoever would swiftly turn into him.

In the eyes of the press and the public, there is only one choice. The "right choice" as Ferguson put it.

"There's no doubt Harry's the best man," said Ferguson.

"He has good experience, the personality and knowledge of the game. He's changed the fortunes of every club he's been at. It's the right choice."

If even Ferguson is speaking as if the decision were a fait-accompli, it does not offer Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy much hope of tempting Redknapp to stay.

Levy could plausibly point to the brilliant job Redknapp has done at White Hart Lane and how it would be a shame not to finish what has been started with such staggering success.

However, amid the genuine appreciation for the manner Tottenham has stood by him during the dark times brought by the tax evasion trial that, for him, came to a satisfactory conclusion in midweek, just hours before Capello resigned, came an equally straightforward assessment of football's transient nature.

"Players are fine," said Redknapp in response to the difficulty of leaving behind a squad of players so carefully assembled.

"You know what football's like. Somebody comes. Somebody goes.

"I wouldn't kid myself. I get on great with the lads here. But they've all got their contracts.

"Something happens, a new manager arrives the next day and the players get on with their football."

Looking worn out by his personal tribulations and a heavy cold that consigned him to bed on Thursday, Redknapp was not his usually jaunty self.

It can only be a matter of when, rather than if, he has some pretty big things to consider, which would be done in conjunction with wife Sandra and son Jamie.

"No, it wouldn't be easy (leaving here)," he said. "It would be very difficult. I'm happy at work.

"But if the opportunity comes, and I get asked, I'll have to consider it. I'll have to make a decision, but I have to do what's right for me and my family."

However, the one thing Redknapp has already worked out, which Ferguson would confirm from personal experience, is that carrying out the role on a part-time basis is tricky.

The Manchester United boss did it in 1986, following Jock Stein's death, and found it tough balancing his commitments to Aberdeen and preparing a World Cup campaign.

"It would be very difficult for anybody to try and do two jobs," he said.

"Managing England is hard enough."

For all the men who have tried and failed since Sir Alf Ramsey won the World Cup in 1966, few will have come into the job on such a wave of goodwill.

If England triumph at Euro 2012, Redknapp will get all the credit.

Should they fail, the blame will be heaped on the man who has departed in such stunning circumstances.

"I wasn't escaping," Capello insisted on Italian television.

"I left because there was a misunderstanding. It had been going well but there are times in which you decide to leave."

Capello has been on a £6 million-a-year contract since first being appointed as Steve McClaren's successor in December 2005.

As he still had five months remaining on that deal when he told FA chairman David Bernstein of his intention to leave after their meeting at Wembley on Wednesday afternoon, there has been a huge amount of speculation about what size pay-off Capello received.

Neither Bernstein, nor his fellow Club England board members - FA chief executive Alex Horne, FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking and Club England managing director Adrian Bevington - would discuss the matter in public.

However, it has been widely reported Capello has received £1.5 million.

Press Association Sport understands this figure is far in excess of what Capello is actually getting.

And the FA has confirmed it is wide of the mark.

An FA spokesman said: "Media reports this week that Fabio Capello received a £1.5 million pay-out are inaccurate.

"In yesterday's England media conferences, the FA repeatedly declined to discuss details regarding Fabio Capello's contract."

Capello quit the job in midweek after a meeting with Football Association chairman David Bernstein over its decision to go over his head and strip John Terry of the England captaincy.

The Italian was due to stand down after this summer's Euro 2012 finals but dismissed suggestions by departing early he had taken the easy way out.

Speaking to Italian television show Striscia La Notizia, he said: "I wasn't escaping, I left because there was a misunderstanding.

"It had been going well but there are times in which you decide to leave."

Capello's next move has been the subject of some debate with Inter Milan touted as a likely destination.

Inter moved to distance itself from those reports by releasing a statement in which it said the speculation was "groundless" and 65-year-old Capello was also adamant he had no intention of returning to work straight away, especially in his homeland.

The former Roma, Juventus and AC Milan boss added: "In Italy absolutely not. Now I want to relax."

Capello's tumultuous week meant he was the latest recipient of Striscia La Notizia's Tapiro d'oro - a lighthearted award handed out to someone who has had a difficult few days.

Several prominent figures from football have been handed the gong previously, including Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

The Dutchman has emerged as the most realistic foreign contender for the England job, which became vacant on Wednesday when Fabio Capello resigned over the Football Association board's decision to strip Terry of the captaincy while he fights a charge of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Hiddink worked closely with Terry during a short but successful spell with Chelsea in the second half of the 2008-09 season which culminated in the Blues winning the FA Cup, and his agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told the Daily Telegraph that could be a stumbling block to his appointment.

"I don't, based on previous conversations with England FA board members, imagine that it would work," he said.

"Guus also has a very strong personal relationship with John Terry and would be on his side in all this."

Van Nieuwenhuizen also indicated his client would not be interested in taking on the role just for Euro 2012.

"He's not done that in the past and had always previously also been involved in qualification," he added.

Hiddink led the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup and took 2002 co-host Korea Republic to the semi-finals, although his most recent posting as Turkey coach ended in failure to qualify for Euro 2012.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the overwhelming bookmakers' favourite to succeed Capello, and while Spurs forward Jermain Defoe admits Redknapp would be a popular choice, he would be sad to see him leave White Hart Lane.

Defoe told BBC Sport: "Everyone wants Harry to be the next England manager.

"He'll never turn round and say 'no I don't want the job', because it's such a big job. We don't want Harry to leave because of what he's achieved."

Redknapp steered Spurs clear of relegation trouble after taking charge in October 2008 and has since led the team to last season's UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and is a good bet to qualify for Europe's premier club competition again at the end of this season.

Redknapp's former chairman at Portsmouth, Milan Mandaric, has also backed the Spurs boss' claims for the England job.

Mandaric and Redknapp were both cleared of tax evasion charges relating to their time at Portsmouth on Wednesday, the same day Capello resigned as England manager.

The Serbian told Sky Sports News: "I don't think there is a better man than Harry Redknapp to take over England.

"I possibly shouldn't say that because it is not my job to talk about managers who are employees and are very happy with their job.

"I want England to be successful because I am a big part of English football."

Redknapp's son Jamie, now a pundit for Sky Sports, admits it has been a turbulent week for the family but prefers the speculation surrounding the England job to the stress which came with the court case at Southwark Crown Court.

"My family has gone from one storm to another, but I prefer this storm," he wrote in the Daily Mail.

"My dad has been ill worrying about his case. He has been anxious and angry. Worrying about my mum, who is a gentle and soft person. Worrying about what would happen to her if he ended up with a guilty verdict.

"I don't want to sound selfish, but whatever my dad ends up doing, he has to do what is best for him. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, it's not meant to, but, after what he has been through for the last five years, it has to be his choice."

The four-man Club England board will sit down later today to begin the process of selecting Capello's successor adamant it will not be railroaded into appointing Redknapp.

Overwhelming favourite for the job, it is thought Redknapp could be prised away from White Hart Lane, if not immediately, then at the end of the season.

Redknapp is due to attend a press conference himself to preview the home encounter with Newcastle.

Even though the 64-year-old ticks all the right boxes, FA general secretary Alex Horne is keen to ensure the correct procedures are followed before Capello's replacement is named, no matter how obvious the claims of one man.

"We understand the feeling of the nation and supporters," said Horne.

"Fans of England are very important when it comes to choosing the right person for the job.

"But we have to sit down and look long term. We owe it to ourselves to write up the job brief and make sure we sit down calmly and ensure we have an exhaustive list."

Horne will be joined in his quest by FA chairman David Bernstein, Club England managing director Adrian Bevington and FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking.

And the brief will involve far more than just managing a football team.

It is anticipated the successful candidate will pay more than lip service to the National Football Centre in Burton, providing a lead to the numerous coaches and youth teams that will be based there.

And whilst non-English candidates will be considered, they will need to have a better grasp of the language than Capello mastered in his four years at the helm.

Former England captain Alan Shearer insists the FA should "move heaven and earth" to secure Redknapp.

"I think he is made for it," Shearer told the BBC's Football Focus programme.

"He understands players and players understand him. That is a perfect mix. I'd move heaven and earth to get him."

Shearer backed the FA's decision to strip Terry of the captaincy, but could understand Capello's frustration that the decision had been taken without his approval.

"Having been England captain, particularly leading up to the tournament, you are asked to do all sorts with the media," he said.

"It would have been hard for John Terry to do that without people asking millions of questions."

The chairman of the Professional Footballers Association, Northampton defender Clarke Carlisle, has compared the FA to FIFA and has called for it to become more transparent.

He told LBC: "The FA is an organisation that`s been in turmoil for a decade.

"The hope is that Mr Bernstein can bring a strong leadership to it, but it's very closed and it almost reflects what we were asking of FIFA...all the decisions are made within the organisation about our national game that affects millions upon millions of lives but there's no inclusion, there's no interaction, there's no transparency and because of that you are seeing here lots of speculation and conjecture about what goes on behind those doors."