Hodgson has no concern with burnout

The squad Hodgson selected for Wednesday's friendly with Brazil was missing Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson - both part of his party at Euro 2012 - plus Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Zaha, who have all won their first senior caps this season.

Together with goalkeeper Jack Butland - who will act as deputy to Joe Hart next week - they are expected to form part of Stuart Pearce's squad for the Under-21 tournament in Israel, despite the fact they will have all played draining domestic campaigns for their clubs, where they are regular starters.

In the past, picking such players for Under-21 duty has led to major ructions between the Football Association and Premier League clubs, but Hodgson cannot see an alternative.

"I don't understand the burnout argument in that respect," said Hodgson.

"Tournaments are played at the end of a football season. How do you avoid the players not having played a long season before - unless it is being suggested that anyone picked doesn't play for their clubs for five or six weeks beforehand? I don't think that would be very popular.

"We have spoken before about the intensity of the English season and how that impacts on us compared to other nations. But the Under-21 tournament finishes in the middle of June. I don't think the Premier League kicks off again in the middle of August.

"Two months is a long time. Quite a lot of people in normal jobs wouldn't mind two months of not having any real pressure to perform.

"Every club will try to protect its players and international matches do impact on clubs.

"That is a conundrum no one can solve and will exist from now until the end of footballing time."

One of the men who will be excused Under-21 duty is Jack Wilshere.

The Arsenal midfielder made his international reappearance in Sweden last November, since when he has avoided a repeat of the injuries that sidelined him for so long.

Wilshere has kept his place in the senior fold even though Hodgson has all his main men to choose from, including Scott Parker and Gareth Barry who have not made the squad.

And it is clear Hodgson views the 21-year-old as a pivotal part of his plans.

"Jack has been very good in the last few games in particular," he said.

"Since Arsene (Wenger, Arsenal manager) threw him in after that injury, he has taken to it like a duck to water.

"He didn't think he needed any more time. He is getting better and better and has proved his worth.

"You have to give Wilshere the credit that he has established himself as a bona-fide first-team player.

"He will play against Ireland in May and come with us to Brazil after that."

Hodgson also spoke highly of Zaha, who made his first appearance as a late substitute in Sweden, since when he has joined Manchester United, even if he will not actually link up with the Old Trafford outfit until the summer.

"The biggest thing you can say about Wilfried is that he has been recognised by Alex Ferguson," said Hodgson.

"Sir Alex has a fantastic record of spotting players when they are young and seeing that whilst, at the moment in time, they might not be the number one man in a few years' time are going to be able to take over that role.

"He did it with Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans. He has now decided Zaha is a man with great potential and is going to be an important part of their future.

"We have recognised his potential. He played a small part against Sweden and would have been considered for a role in the senior team were it not for the fact that I am liaising with Stuart Pearce about his squad for Israel."