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Roy Hodgson has named his England squad for next week's friendly against Brazil and five Manchester United players have been included -- Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling, Wayne Rooney, and Danny Welbeck. The grand friendly at Wembley against the world's most accomplished national team on February 6 is part of many events this year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the FA. Here's the full England squad for the match:
Goalkeeper: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), James Milner (Manchester City), Leon Osman (Everton), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Forwards: Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Apparently Rio Ferdinand hasn't been chosen again for 'footballing reasons'. That, though, is certainly beneficial to United, even if it hugely disappointing for the former England captain. If Hodgson is pragmatic, which he generally is, he'd build his midfield around Carrick since putting a Gerrard, Cleverley, or a Lampard alongside him provides the best balance. However, he's likely to build around the skipper Gerrard. Up front, Rooney is certainly the fulcrum of the England attack. With the challenging upcoming fixture list for United, hopefully the minutes for their players will be limited in this friendly.
Here's the 20-,man Brazil squad for the friendly:
"Just seen Rafael da Silva is not in the Brazil squad....best right-back in the premier league + CL this season... hungry and improving."- @rioferdy5