Euro 2012: England lose Lampard, with Parker a doubt

Roy Hodgson's decision not to try convincing Michael Carrick that he had a role to play in the current England set-up threatens to haunt him after Frank Lampard was forced out of the squad on Thursday evening.

And with Gareth Barry already withdrawn and reports claiming that Scott Parker's Achilles problems persist, there is a danger that Roy Hodgson will end up without three of the four men he originally highlighted for a central midfield role, while Jack Wilshere is also missing with a long-term injury.

Lampard was far from certain to start at Euro 2012, with captain Steven Gerrard and PFA player of the year nominee Parker tipped to line up in a 4-4-2. However, losing him as even an option is a blow given that he has started in every England match at a major tournament since Euro 2004.

It also means the promotion into the squad of Jordan Henderson, who becomes the fifth member of the much-maligned Liverpool side selected, making them the best represented Premier League club in Hodgson's party.

With the call to replace first withdrawal Barry with defender Phil Jagielka rather than Henderson implying a lack of faith in the former Sunderland midfielder, who was heavily criticised in his first season at Anfield, it is vital that Parker is fit to face France.

It was felt that the one-time skipper had proven his recovery by lasting 56 minutes of the friendly victory away to Norway, but it is rumoured that the problem is continuing to aggravate him.

England won't be allowed to replace the Spurs star if he can't compete because you can only do so with players who suffered their initial injury in the aftermath of the final squad announcement.

If he isn't available, Gerrard and Henderson's rivals for a starting spot in the middle in what looks increasingly likely to be a 4-4-2 will be James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and defender Phil Jones.

The Three Lions are out to 13.012/1 to win Euro 2012 and 3.185/40 to triumph in their Group D opener against France.