Still time for fringe players to make their case for inclusion in Rio squad

Manager Roy Hodgson has told the likes of Gareth Barry and Adam Johnson not to give up on making his England squad for the World Cup – despite being overlooked for Wednesday’s friendly against Denmark.

With a 30-man squad selected for the final match before the 23 names who are to make up Hodgson’s final list are announced, on-loan Everton midfielder Barry and Sunderland winger Johnson missed out even though they have been making headlines for their clubs.

Southampton defender Luke Shaw has been called-up for the first time as he looks to challenge Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines for the left-back berth.

Cardiff captain Steven Caulker is also included, with young midfield duo Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling given another chance to impress.

But for those players who have not made Hodgson’s latest squad, including fit-again West Ham striker Andy Carroll, the England manager has challenged them to work their way into his thinking.

“This is not the 30 from which the 23 will absolutely be chosen,” he said.

“It is possible for players who are not in there to push in. That is the message I’m keen to put over.

“It would be foolish in March to give a definitive 30-man squad. Anyone I might decide I want to take, if they are not in this 30, I am entitled to do that.”

Likewise, Hodgson stressed those players named in his squad to face Denmark should not rest on their laurels.

“I’m not prepared to give that guarantee,” he said.

“Anyone who thinks that may find themselves disillusioned. There is still plenty of football to be played. The period now between March 5 and May 11 is a very, very busy period. There are quite a few weeks where people will be playing three times.

“I think I have chosen a strong 30-man squad here, having a 30-man squad is good. I shall just wait and see and on a weekly basis maybe have to reassess.”