The Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is in contention for a surprise recall to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Italy. Roy Hodgson is set to name his squad this afternoon for the team's first match since defeat to the same opposition at Euro 2012 this summer.

Carrick withdrew from contention for that tournament earlier this year because he had become disenchanted with his lack of opportunities to start matches for England, deciding he did not want to join the squad unless he was a likely fixture in the team.

Hodgson has discussed Carrick at length behind the scenes ahead of next week's get-together, as he faces problems in midfield with two contenders for the same position as Carrick, Scott Parker and Gareth Barry, ruled out with injury.