Possible England XI vs Denmark

Here is my proposed first team for Wednesday evening's friendly with Denmark. Hopefully Roy Hodgson will have something similar planned.

GK: Hart
DF: Baines, Cahill, Caulker, Walker
MF: Gerrard, Wilshere, Henderson
FW: Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge

Mersey Boys
For the first time since the Owen/Heskey/Fowler dream team, an England attack has a strong Liverpool connection. Both Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge have been in great form for the reds since Christmas, having contributed to their team's 73 Premier League goals (four more than any other side).

Spurs, Everton and Arsenal have all been tormented by the blitzkrieg counter-attacks of the Anfield club. No defence, whether domestic or international, seemingly has the speed to cope with such lightning pace on the break.

The Merseyside front-three may be grabbing all the headlines but Jordan Henderson has driven many of their most bewitching plays from midfield. The ex-Sunderland man is a player reborn, having finally begun to justify Kenny Dalglish's spending spree on his services with a potent mix of physicality, skill and the occasional goal.

Gerrard Defiant
Despite an increasing number of preposterously vocal critics, Steven Gerrard has recently shown  that he can still control a game from a deeper holding role. This greater defensive focus has not stopped England's talisman from scoring eight goals since August. Also, if any further proof of his credentials were needed, the aging playmaker single-handedly dragged the three lions through their decisive World Cup qualifier against Poland. Roy Hodgson probably owes his job to that heroic effort from his captain.

Wednesday's friendly gives Hodgson the opportunity to see how this Liverpool quartet cope without the linking play of Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho.

Surprise Chance for Caulker
Steven Caulker has been part of a worryingly leaky Cardiff defence but, in Phil Jagielka's absence, Chris Smalling is the only other centre back option in the squad to pair with Gary Cahill. I am not convinced with Smalling for either club or country so Caulker deserves a starting place. His current international record (one cap, one goal) certainly indicates some of his potential.

No Wind for Willo
Why didn't Hodgson call-up Mike Williamson? He has been in better form for Newcastle than Smalling and Caulker. He may not be an obvious candidate for Brazil but his recent steady displays have been able to woo most sections of the Tyneside faithful.