The Three Lions will play their first match of 2013 as manager Roy Hodgson has announced his 24-man England squad for Wednesday’s friendly match at the Wembley Stadium against Brazil.
Chelsea left back Ashley Cole who missed out the game against Sweden in Stockholm through injury returns to the squad and could earn an historic 100th cap for the nation, should he be selected against the South Americans.
Everton midfielder Leon Osman retains his place in the side following his impressive debut against Sweden last November and will be joined by club mates Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been included in the side after an injury-hit year while striker Daniel Sturridge gets a call up after his brilliant start to his Liverpool career.
Norwich City’s John Ruddy and Celtic’s Fraser Forster , both the goalkeepers missed out due to injury while youngsters Steven Caulker, Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Zaha were not included for the tie.
The match is the first of a series of Wembley fixtures arranged to celebrate The FA’s 150th anniversary year in 2013. Fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Scotland will follow in May and August.
Hodgson has named a strong England squad with a view of preparing his side for next month’s World Cup qualifiers in San Marino and Montenegro.
Goalkeepers
Jack Butland (Birmingham City)
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
Joleon Lescott (Manchester City)
Midfielders
Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
Leon Osman (Everton)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United)
James Milner (Manchester City)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
Forwards
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
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