Skipper: Steven Gerrard (right) captains England at Euro 2012

Brooking believes Hodgson has picked a ‘mixed’ squad in terms of age and singled out Walcott, 23, as a player who is ready to make an impact.

Speaking at an event to promote the FA Tesco Skills Programme, he said: ‘Everyone has wondered if Roy would pick a young squad. It’s mixed at the moment.

‘Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Phil Jones have done well for the Under 21s and Kyle Walker and Chris Smalling were unlucky to miss out through injury. Danny Welbeck has an important role with Wayne Rooney missing for the first two games. And Theo Walcott - we don’t realise how young he still is. But this is the tournament you would like him to become a recognised person.’

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