Roy Hodgson unveiled his final squad before selecting those who will represent England in the World Cup in Brazil with a warning to his most senior stars that he may return to break their hearts.

Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe — with a combined wealth of nearly 300 caps — are those who stand in the firing line as competition intensifies and young challengers such as Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw emerge.

‘I am very conscious I could have to leave a big name out,’ said Hodgson, who yesterday named a 30-man squad for the Wembley friendly against Denmark on Wednesday.

Bustling: But Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard may not make the plane to Brazil for England's World Cup bid

Odd man out: Michael Carrick (right) may pay the ultimate price for Manchester United's poor season

Missing out? Ashley Cole has seen his Chelsea starting left-back berth slip from his grasp

Roy's boys: Hodgson named his England team for the friendly with Denmark on Wednesday

Man with a plan: Hodgson stressed the 30 he picked would not be the final selection

‘It was a very different kettle of fish a couple of years ago.

'I don’t think there was much debate then, but I am pretty sure this time around when I name the 23 there will be a lot of debate. Some will say I’ve chosen the right ones and others will say I’ve chosen the wrong ones.’

Hodgson plans to name his World Cup 23 — plus seven on standby —before May 13. He was at pains yesterday to insist those chosen to face Denmark were not the definitive 30.

Phil Jones and Phil Jagielka are missing through injury but are two of the four centre halves he wants in Brazil. Steven Caulker appears to be first in line as cover.

Andy Carroll, having started two Premier League matches in 10 months since he pulled out of England’s tour to Brazil, has it all to prove.

All smiles: But Jermain Defoe could also fall victim to the with his move to Toronto FC in the MLS

Shaw thing: Luke Shaw has earned his first call up to the England squad

For club and country: Liverpool pair Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson will join up with England

‘I’ve not had the chance to look at him,’ said Hodgson. ‘He played two games and disappeared again. That’s not a lot since July. He has two months to play and convince me he’s better than some of those who are in.’

Adam Johnson may be in good form but a healthy queue of wingers are ahead of him and Hodgson says he ‘would not be averse’ to recalling Gareth Barry if he lost a senior  midfielder to injury.

Nowhere in Hodgson’s squad does the rush for a seat on the plane crystalise quite like it does at left back, where Hodgson has set uncapped Shaw up against 106-cap Cole to join Leighton Baines in Brazil. For Shaw, 18, this is a first senior call-up with a good chance of an England debut against Denmark, when there are likely to be six substitutions.

‘It is a logical thought but I can’t make promises,’ said Hodgson, when asked if the Southampton defender would win his first cap.

‘It would be nice if he gets to play and corroborates what we think, that he is capable of playing for England, but our decision will be made on his work over the course of the season.

‘He’s a very exciting talent and we thought it was the right moment. We have a 29-year-old in Leighton and a 33-year-old in Ashley and an 18-year-old. That’s a vast different in terms of experience. We have to take those things into consideration.’

Earning his chance: Raheem Sterling has been called up by Hodgson for the England game with Denmark


Earning his place: Andros Townsend, who has returned from injury in recent weeks, has been included

This is central to Hodgson’s choice as he tried to balance the World Cup squad. He can create space for an experienced player even if he may not play much, because he wants his influence around the camp.

Lampard, for example, is a good influence around the camp, can come off the bench to score a goal or take a penalty in a shootout — but that logic does not extend to Cole. ‘If you are a left-back specialist you either play or you don’t play,’ noted Hodgson.

Cole is England’s most-capped tournament player — starting the last 22 games in five major championships since 2002 — but has lost his place at Chelsea to Cesar Azpilicueta.

Defoe is another who has not played much for his club but keeps his place in the squad after a chat when Hodgson learned the striker would not be joining his new club Toronto in the MLS until after next week’s friendly.

Young star: Everton's Ross Barkley has been included in the squad

No place: Andy Carroll has not been included in Hodgson's England squad for the Denmark game

 
Don't give up: Hodgson has told Adam Johnson and Gareth Barry they can still make the World Cup squad

No place: Hull's in-form midfielder Tom Huddlestone has not been included in the squad