England coach Roy Hodgson admits the Olympics helped Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley earn a place in his squad.

Sidelined by injury for much of last season, Cleverley's hopes of making Euro 2012 had already been dashed before Hodgson was appointed as Fabio Capello's successor.

Without the opportunity to watch Cleverley on a couple of occasions, Hodgson might not have been tempted to select him for last month's friendly with Italy in Switzerland, which prompted the call-up for England's opening World Cup games.

"It was important for me because that's where I sort of discovered him," said Hodgson.

"I knew him when he was at Watford and I'd seen him play a couple of times, and I'd seen him play a few games as substitute for Manchester United.

"But he got injured very early last season, so the Olympics was the opportunity for me to cast the rule over him."