A weakened but promising Three Lions side at Sweden

Conservative and unimpressive squad selection steered England to Quarter Final of Euro 2012, prompting criticism over their playing style and tactics. The shout for inclusion of young talents into the national team prompts increased chances for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, but it is nowhere near a revolutionary change. Unconvincing performance against Ukraine and Poland demonstrated that this could not be the team to win the World Cup in 2014.

Whether the disappointment at Poland has enlightened Hodgson is questionable. After all, international friendly matches are perfect opportunity to experiment new tactics and players. Injuries drove or forced Hodgson to hand several players their international debuts. While their performance is encouraging and promising, it might not be strong enough to persuade their manager to grant them a second chance during the build-up to World Cup.

Out of all debutants, Raheem Sterling would be the most exciting one. He may not be better than Walcott or Lennon at this stage, but he definitely qualifies to be their understudy. His speed, bravery and passing vision made him the star of England at Sweden. He would also be thankful to have Glen Johnson and Stephen Gerrard around to settle his nerve.

Stephen Caulker starred in Swansea's defence last season and has emerged as Tottenham's first choice centreback lately. There was no Terry, Ferdinand or Ashley Cole there to give Caulker covering and assurance. While the young centreback hardly settled in the first half, he did manage to utilise his strength and earn a debut goal by converting Gerrard's marvellous freekick.

On the other hand, Ryan Shawcross did not have Caulker's luck. Coming in with a 2-1 lead, he saw himself bully by Ibrahimovic to equalise and the world-class striker went on to add two more in the last ten minutes of the game. It was hardly Shawcross' sole responsibility, but the scoreline surely would not please Hodgson. While Ferdinand would be kept out of the team for footballing reason, should other young centrebacks be given more chances to play against world-class calibre strikers to shake off their nerves, as shown by Shawcross and Caulker?

Can Osman win Hodgson's heart with his maturity and established game?

Another interesting selection from Hodgson was Leon Osman. He is never the stand-out player in Everton throughout the years and remains in the bottom of the pecking order in England midfield. Nevertheless, the techniques, work rate and football intelligence he possesses make him an all-rounded midfielder, which one would wonder why he has been kept in the dark in the last few years, when Frank Lampard, Stephen Gerrard and Gareth Barry, the automatic choices for the Three Lions, are declining. However, at his age, he will hardly be the preferred choice for Roy Hodgson, in particular with the rise of Tom Cleverley, the return of Jack Wilshere, Tottenham's pair Livermore and Huddlestone, and not to forget Osman's previous teammate Jack Rodwell.  

With John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard set to return for the upcoming qualifying fixtures in March, it would be likely that these debutants will again be left at home to watch their national team play. The argument that whether this is the best move for England's football development will continue, but for sure the combination of aging veterans and nervy youngsters will not win them the World Cup they are longing for.