Euro hopefuls in final audition

With so many live issues to be resolved in the Premier League today (Sunday), it is easy to forget that many players will have a secondary reason for finishing their season strongly. Roy Hodgson names his England squad for Euro 2012 on Wednesday and this will be the last chance to make a positive impression on the new national team manager.

In his last game as West Bromwich Albion manager, Hodgson will get a first-hand opportunity to weigh the merits of arguably the most exciting candidate for selection: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Arsenal forward was impressive coming off the bench against Norwich last week and may even start at the Hawthorns.

"He is developing well," Arsene Wenger said. "He has still a lot to learn but the potential is absolutely fantastic. If he has a chance to go to the Euros, I am happy. It depends on the number of strikers who are available and what Roy Hodgson will decide."

It is in deciding which attacking players to take that Hodgson faces the hardest decisions. Will Theo Walcott be given time to impress Hodgson this afternoon? Will Andy Carroll edge his way into the squad with another bravura performance as Liverpool travel to Swansea? Can Bobby Zamora or Peter Crouch secure their place in the last-day drama?

Hodgson has plenty to ponder, although defensively, at least, things are pretty sound. Joe Hart will go as first-choice goalkeeper and Hodgson is optimistic about persuading West Brom's Ben Foster out of retirement as cover.

Left-back is a no-brainer: Ashley Cole is among the very best in the world and Leighton Baines has had another brilliant season. At right-back he must pick two from Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson and Micah Richards.

At centre-back he has plenty of options. John Terry, Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott would appear to have three of the four slots. If Hodgson wants experience he will probably go for Rio Ferdinand (although there are concerns about his ability to play two games in four days) or Phil Jagielka. If he wants to develop a player, he may go for Phil Jones, who also provides positional flexibility.

In central midfield it looks like the old hands winning out. Steven Gerrard, the likely captain, is assured of his place, but Scott Parker is fighting a problematic Achilles injury. Injuries to Jack Wilshere and Jack Rodwell, as well as Tom Cleverley not rediscovering his early-season form, have cleared the way for the veterans.

Can Hodgson afford to ignore Frank Lampard after his Champions League performances? Has Michael Carrick's understated elegance with United not earned him a place? Sir Alex Ferguson believes it has been his best season in a United shirt. What about Gareth Barry, who has been so important to City? Five central midfielders is probably one too many, unless Hodgson takes fewer wingers.

Which wide players does he go for? Walcott began training again last Friday and should be ready. Ashley Young has finished the season strongly and James Milner is highly professional and can play across several positions. Stewart Downing has plenty of caps (33) but has had a poor season.

Adam Johnson has impressed in an England shirt but struggled for game-time at City. Aaron Lennon is back playing for Spurs while Oxlade-Chamberlain is exciting but lacks experience. Probably only four of those seven will make it.

Then it comes down to the forwards. With Rooney suspended, Hodgson will probably go for four (Young and Walcott can provide extra cover). He likes a powerful fulcrum striker who can link play.

Zamora did that job well for him at Fulham but has not had his best season. Crouch is another player Hodgson admires, having tried to sign him at Fulham, and he has had a good campaign with Stoke.

There are more radical options. Grant Holt has been prolific (14 Premier League goals) with Norwich and is a powerful presence, while Carroll looks a player reborn in his past two games, in great physical shape and seeming confident.

To complete his squad, Hodgson must select two further forwards.

The technically accomplished Danny Welbeck must have an excellent chance.

Darren Bent is only just returning to fitness while Jermain Defoe has not been first-choice for Tottenham for much of the season. Daniel Sturridge's drop in form has come at a bad time. An impressive performance on the last day might help clarify Hodgson's thinking.

When selecting his Swiss World Cup squad in 1994, Hodgson said he did not take too much heed of form, preferring to select on quality. With only two friendlies before England's opening game, Hodgson might want to alter his position. This England team needs confidence going into the tournament - those players finishing the season on a high will be valuable this summer.