Team news for Saturday evening's international friendly between England and Belgium at Wembley Stadium (kick-off 5.15pm).
Parker: Set to start in central midfield
Roy Hodgson has confirmed Scott Parker will start Saturday's friendly in central midfield alongside skipper Steven Gerrard.
In training on Friday morning it appeared an entirely new defence comprising three Chelsea players - John Terry, Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole - would be joined by Glen Johnson, with Joe Hart returning in goal.
But Hodgson has ruled Wayne Rooney, suspended for England's opening two games in Poland and Ukraine, out of a starting berth against the Belgians.
"It is in my thinking for Wayne play some part in the game," Hodgson told BBC Radio Five Live. "But my first priority is to have looked at the squad fully in order to pick a team against France.
"I am not really bothered about Wayne playing because I know what he can do for the team. I am not even that bothered if he doesn't come on because his fitness will come on with the training sessions we do. In fact it might help him.
"But it would be nice if I could find an opportunity to get him on the field."
Andy Carroll may be offered the opportunity to build on last week's encouraging display in Norway, although Danny Welbeck played a full part in the training session after his recent ankle complaint and is also in contention.
Teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also in the mix following an impressive cameo in Oslo, although it still seems doubtful he will make his first start.
"He is working well and training hard," said Hodgson. "He is a bona-fide member of the squad so he has as much chance as anyone else of getting into the team, not only for tomorrow but in the future."
Belgium defender Vincent Kompany could miss out with a calf injury.
The Manchester City skipper is keen to play at Wembley but has been hampered in his preparations for the game and does not want to take any unnecessary risks.
Marc Wilmots had been looking to partner Kompany with Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen at centre-back in a key game for Belgium as they build towards World Cup qualifying.
There are a host of high-profile names in what has been billed as a golden generation for Belgium and they are expected to provide Roy Hodgson's men with a stern test this weekend.
Hopes are also high they can make it through to the next World Cup in Brazil, having been pitted in a qualifying group also containing Scotland, Wales, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia.
Kompany played a starring role in City's success this season as he led the club to the Premier League title.
Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17612/england_v_belgium_preview
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