Roy Hodgson admits he has not decided on his starting XI for the opening game against Italy on 14 June.

"You look back over the games we've played and there are certain people who have started and would expect to be starters," he adds. "But so much has happened over seven months since we qualified.

"Players who were on the fringes, people don't accept them as fringe players anymore. In the front six positions we have a lot of options - I like to think that is a very exciting. The back four and goalkeeper tends to be a lot easier for other people to second guess."

England coach Roy Hodgson on phoning players to give them the selection news: "I didn't enjoy it - all the conversations were private and will remain so. But I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to it. The players I spoke to showed an understanding as to my position."

England manager Roy Hodgson on fitness worries: "We wouldn't have selected anyone in the 23 if we thought we would be on tenterhooks regarding fitness. The only one I would say that seriously poses a question is Phil Jones.

"He had his shoulder injury a week ago and, from what everyone tells me and my experience, it is a three week injury to be back and playing.

"But we can't guarantee that so I will be taking John Stones and Jon Flanagan with me. Stones will be Phil Jones' replacement."

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty on Twitter:, external Roy Hodgson confirms Everton's John Stones will replace Phil Jones if he fails to recover from his shoulder injury.

England manager Roy Hodgson: "I'm not sure that old adage (that you can't win anything with kids) is as true as it was.

"This is a 23-man squad and in that 23 there is an awful lot of caps. We shouldn't get hung up on fact that there are youngsters in the squad. I'm not taking anyone purely for the experience.

"Do I believe the squad can win the World Cup? Yes, otherwise what is the point of taking a squad to the World Cup. But they are empty words as, if you ask other coaches, they will say the same."

BBC Sport's Dan Roan on Twitter: , externalRoy Hodgson's England World Cup squad selection very youthful. Only six have been to a World Cup before. And 10 have no major tournament experience.

England coach Roy Hodgson on the possible impact of Wayne Rooney: "If it's anything to do with desire and ambition then we've got nothing to fear. I've told the players to go away for a week and get mentally prepared. Wayne has decided to take a physio with him because he is so determined to come back firing on all cylinders. His attitude - spot on, desire - couldn't be better, ability - yes he has. Now it is all about bringing that to the match on the day."

Image source, Getty Images

Roy Hodgson on the selection of young players like Luke Shaw and Raheem Sterling: "They have imposed themselves and imposed their ability in my thinking. If I picked my squad in October after the last two World Cup qualifiers, then it might have looked different.

"A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. I can't ignore what people are doing on a week to week basis. In October, I'm not sure Raheem Sterling was getting the game time or making the impact he has had in recent months."

England manager Roy Hodgson on the inclusion of veteran Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard: "He is a very important part of our set-up still. You can't compare players in terms of age but in terms of position and what they bring to the team. Frank has been the captain of the team during my two years and vice captain to Steven Gerrard. He still plays a very important role in his club side and his leadership qualities and ability as a player means he fully justifies his position."

Roy Hodgson: "I have been unbelievably impressed by the maturity and graciousness that Ashley Cole has shown."

Image source, Getty Images

England coach Roy Hodgson: "It's a big day, a big day for me to announce the squad. There were a number of decisions which were not easy to make.

"I hope the squad will give a good account of itself and they won't let the country down."

Here he is - a grinning Roy Hodgson takes his seat...

More from the FA website:, external "The England squad will now travel to Portugal next week to begin their World Cup preparations, before facing Peru in their final match at Wembley on Friday 30 May.

"They will then fly out to Miami, where they will play two more warm-up games against both Honduras and Ecuador before completing their road to Brazil in time for the opening game with Italy on Saturday 14 June."

From the Football Association website:, external "While there are no uncapped players in the squad, there are places for youngsters Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley, who have all impressed this season after starting the term with the Under-21s.

"At the other end of the scale, captain Steve Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are all preparing for their third World Cup campaign, having featured in 2006 and 2010 previously.

"Roy Hodgson has selected Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Manchester United defender Phil Jones, who have both been absent through injury for their clubs but have been cleared for the summer."

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty

"England's World Cup squad contains the youth of Everton's Ross Barkley, Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling and Southampton teenager Luke Shaw but also plenty of experience.

"The old guard is still represented in the shape of captain Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard while the trusted James Milner also goes to Brazil.

"Michael Carrick misses out but Hodgson could not realistically take him alongside the other veterans Gerrard and Lampard."

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick on Twitter:, external Disappointed to be left out of the squad, World Cups are special and to miss out hurts. Want to wish the boys the very best of luck.

Former England captain Gary Lineker

Congratulations to the 23 players who have made Roy Hodgson's England squad. It's young, energetic and exciting. Do your country proud!

Martin Keown
Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out injured for a good deal of time. That's probably a gamble, Jack Wilshere as well. I was a little bit surprised Roy Hodgson didn't go with Ashley Cole for what is a major tournament."