England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he will be "experimental" in Tuesday's international friendly against Italy.

Several key players, including Daniel Sturridge, Leighton Baines and Raheem Sterling, have withdrawn from the squad that will travel to Turin.

Hodgson sees the Three Lions' upcoming games as a chance to find his favoured lineup before some "very important" friendlies later this year and early next year ahead of Euro 2016 in France.

"When the qualifying campaign ends - we believe we'll be qualified in October - then we have two very important friendlies in November, two important friendlies in March, certainly in May," Hodgson told the Football Association's website.

"Hopefully we'll get really quality opposition to play us in those matches which will really put us seriously to the test. There are a number of players who quite seriously believe they should be in the team and none of them will be in Italy.

"Italy and Ireland (in June) will be to some extent experimental and a chance to break in to what we think is our best XI."

Following their 4-0 win over Lithaunia on Friday night, England are six points clear with a 100% record in Euro 2016 qualifying Group E.