Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been recalled to the England squad to face Italy by manager Roy Hogdson, whilst teammate Wayne Rooney and former captain John Terry have been left out.

Carrick’s international future looked uncertain when he refused to be considered for the squad last January, having not featured at all at the 2010 World Cup. As a result, he also missed this summers European Championships in Poland/Ukraine.

But the 29 year old will be considered for selection when England take on the Euro 2012 runners-up in a glamour friendly next Wednesday.

With fellow central midfielders Gareth Barry and Scott Parker ruled out through injury, it is understood Carrick accepted Hodgson’s SOS call. The England manager told The BBC:

“He didn’t want to be considered for the Euros, so I reluctantly thought if people are not available they are not available.

“He has had discussions with Gary and me since and it turns out that he does want to play.
“There has never been any doubt that Carrick has not been in our thoughts or our wishes.

It was more a case of believing he wasn’t available for England.”

It is the omission of former captain John Terry from the squad though that will make the most headlines.

The Chelsea defender was accused of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, and whilst he was cleared of the charges, still faces a disciplinary hearing over the incident.

The defender will be 33 by the time the World Cup comes calling, and it is perhaps indicative that Hodgson has picked a relatively youthful squad to face Italy, possibly with that in mind.

Youngsters John Ruddy, Ryan Bertrand  Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Rodwell, Daniel Sturridge and Jake Livermore all get calls ups to the squad and are all expected to impress in Brazil in 2014.

The FA made it clear when it charged Terry on 27 July over the Ferdinand incident that he would still be available to play for England, though, and it is not thought that his International future is in any serious doubt at this time.

Wayne Rooney is another notable omission, though can be easily explained by the fact he hasn’t yet reached match fitness, only managing 45 minutes in his sides 0-0 draw to Barcelona yesterday.

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Jack Butland (Birmingham City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), John Ruddy (Tottenham Hotspur), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Jake Livermore (Tottenham Hotspur), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

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