England boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Frank Lampard will captain the Three Lions against Italy on Wednesday.

Hodgson has also disclosed the reason for the omissions of Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Meanwhile, he refused to reveal whether Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland will appear in Switzerland.

"He had the same as Alex [Oxlade-Chamberlain], unfortunately Alex turned his ankle and Theo took a kick on his thigh and we were hoping a couple of days would see him right, but unfortunately he couldn't... it is not a serious injury," Hodgson told reporters.

"Yes I am [happy with his squad]. I think we have got it well covered. I am anxious to get a lot of players on the pitch.

"I can't say [whether Butland will appear]. I haven't even given them an indication. I am still to decide whether to play one, or give each of them a game."

"I think the formation side of things is grossly exaggerated... I don't really see an enormous difference in that respect. Of course, we have a lot of midfielders, so I might be tempted to use my midfielders and go with just one forward.

"Well we missed [Lampard], if you got players of Frank Lampard's quality, then it is important that they play. At least now Frank is back, and Michael Carrick has reconsidered and he is now keen to play for us again."

England begin their World Cup 2014 qualification campaign next month.