Hodgson picks young roster for Italy friendly

LONDON (AP) -- England coach Roy Hodgson has picked an inexperienced roster for next week's exhibition against European Championship runner-up Italy, taking only 10 players from his 23-man Euro team.

Captain Steven Gerrard, defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole and forward Wayne Rooney were left off the roster as Hodgson turned to younger players for Wednesday's game at Bern against the Azzurri, who eliminated England on penalty kicks in the Euro quarterfinals.

Ryan Bertrand, who made his first European appearance for Chelsea in the Champions League final in May, was picked for the first time, as were Steven Caulker and Jake Livermore of Tottenham.

Caulker, a central defender, played for Britain at the Olympics alongside Daniel Sturridge and Tom Cleverley, who also were selected.

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, originally due to travel with the Euro 2012 squad before breaking his finger, returns to the roster, as does Kyle Walker, who also missed the Euros because of injury.

Manchester United's Michael Carrick returns and could partner Frank Lampard in central midfield against Italy. Lampard missed the European Championship because of a thigh injury.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Tottenham), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Jake Livermore (Tottenham), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

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