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Five England players that need to impress against Denmark

:Headline: Five England players that need to impress against Denmark: ID:142404: from db_amp
Sports Mole picks out five England players that will need to make an impression against Denmark to boost their chances of going to the World Cup.

Tomorrow night, England will play their last match before manager Roy Hodgson has to decide which players he will take to Brazil for this summer's World Cup.

Consequently, the friendly encounter with Denmark at Wembley will provide the 30-man squad with their final chance to make an impression on Hodgson and his coaching staff.

While the likes of Joe Hart, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney can rest easy, there will be some that are worried for their seat on the plane. Below, Sports Mole has picked out five players in particular that need to prove their worth against the Danes.

1. Luke Shaw
Regardless of what happens against Denmark, Shaw has the potential to hold down the left-back slot for years to come. If he doesn't go to the World Cup, there is every chance that he will be a permanent fixture in the team come the European Championships in 2016, providing that he continues to progress at his current rate.

Nevertheless, there is a real opportunity for the 18-year-old to force his way into Hodgson's selection this time around. It's widely accepted that Leighton Baines is the first-choice left-back, but the position of his deputy is up for grabs. Ashley Cole, an England regular since the early 2000s, is out of favour at Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho preferring to use the right-footed Cesar Azpilicueta in that position.

If Shaw can make the most of any opportunity that is presented to him tomorrow, as well as continuing to produce the goods for his club over the coming weeks, the clamour for the youngster's inclusion will intensify.

2. Michael Carrick
Upon announcing the current squad, Hodgson hinted that at least one of his experienced players could be left behind when England head to Rio de Janeiro. While Cole's lack of regular action has made him an obvious contender to be omitted, there are also three seasoned footballers in midfield.

Gerrard, as captain, is a certainty, which perhaps leaves one space for Frank Lampard or Carrick. Manchester United midfielder Carrick does not exactly raise pulses, but he is capable of keeping possession - a necessity at international football. What he does not provide is Lampard's knack of scoring important goals. Such an attribute makes the Chelsea veteran a useful substitute, particularly because he is comfortable from the penalty spot as well.

With the youthful Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also breathing down Carrick's neck, a faultless display against Denmark will do him no harm.

3. Tom Cleverley
Such has been the disillusionment at Cleverley's presence in the squad, some England supporters set up a petition to ban the Man United midfielder from playing international football. In the space of 24 hours, 4,000 people had signed up.

That may be a tad drastic, but it's hard to argue a case in Cleverley's favour. At the age of 24 and with almost 150 appearances at senior club level under his belt, Cleverley should now be a prominent figure in what is an ailing United engine room. Such has been the negative impression that 13-capped Cleverley has made, one journalist recently branded him the "anti-Xavi" following United's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Olympiacos.

As the fans and some sections of the media call on Hodgson to consider the likes of Tom Huddlestone at the expense of Cleverley, the Denmark game may see him drinking at the bar of the Last Chance Saloon.

4. Raheem Sterling
Theo Walcott and World Cups do not mix. He went to the 2006 tournament in Germany, despite the fact that he had never played a Premier League match. He was an unused squad member on that occasion and four years later was dropped by Fabio Capello. Then, just as it looked as though he was major part of Hodgson's thinking, he suffered a knee injury earlier this year that has ruled out his participation.

One man's loss is another's gain, though. Andros Townsend made the most of his opportunity during the October qualifiers and while the Tottenham Hotspur winger is thought to be a favourite of Hodgson, Sterling's form since his reintegration back into the Liverpool side has not been ignored.

He was withdrawn from the limelight by Brendan Rodgers earlier this season, but since his December return, the 19-year-old has formed a sometime devastating understanding with Luis Suarez and fellow England international Daniel Sturridge. Like Shaw, if he doesn't force his way into the squad for Brazil, his opportunity at a major tournament will surely come, but it could arrive sooner with a positive showing against the Scandinavians.

5. Jay Rodriguez
"Jay has been outstanding for us all season. He's a fantastic player to play alongside. He can play in a number of positions, which I'm sure has helped him get his England recognition."

That is the viewpoint of Rodriguez's Southampton and England teammate Adam Lallana. Both players made their debuts for the Three Lions against Chile in November, but while Lallana made an instant impression, Rodriguez struggled to make an impact on the fixture.

Since then, Rodriguez has scored eight goals for the Saints, which is probably the major reason behind his second call-up. This time around, the 24-year-old will need to show some of his club form on the international scene to silence any doubters. Jermain Defoe is also in the squad but with him bound for Canada, there are serious question marks as to whether he can go to a World Cup having been up against sub-standard defences. It means that the door is ajar for Rodriguez.

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