England coach Roy Hodgson says he sounded out Liverpool before selecting 17 year-old winger Raheem Sterling yesterday.

Hodgson discussed the issue with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers before making the call.

"I've cleared this with him and he is satisfied," said Hodgson. "He thought it would be nice for him to soak up the atmosphere around a big game.

"He'll be pretty lucky to get close to the field because there are plenty of players who were chosen in front of him.

"I can only hope he takes it in the right way. He mustn't think he's become a part of the set-up and has made it. He has to try next time to make sure he is one of the original 23. We'll be watching him."