Parker, Terry & Young out; Wilshere, Jones & Oxlade-Chamberlain in: the changes Hodgson should make as England build towards 2014

After another agonising penalty defeat, this time to Italy, the Three Lions return from Poland and Ukraine needing to revolutionise the squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers

The optimistic logic that the poorest team over 120 minutes would be favourites in a shoot-out was dismissed as both Ashleys - Cole and Young - handed the initiative back to Italy after poor penalties.

It was a familiar story, and although the macabre among us may point and laugh at England's ever-growing list of failed spot-kick encounters, the brave but desperate display in normal time highlights the need for change as Hodgson's revolution truly takes shape in the build-up to 2014. 

England's performance will attract plenty of criticism for the turgid nature of their work, but plenty of positives should be gleaned from a quarter-final run in a tournament no-one expected them to win. 

There was a camaraderie not often associated with modern day England; a determination and belief that against the odds, through their efforts, the nation could be proud of this campaign. And in comparison to 2010, they achieved that. 

This is the foundation Hodgson has erected. Should he combine this attitude with the right blend of players, the fans can look positively towards the next World Cup.

Of course, there will always be casualties from the fallout of any competition and this is no different. Injuries prevented a number of players making Euro 2012 but that should only further their case for inclusion in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

No-one can deny that if you put his off-pitch issues to one side, Terry has been a fantastic servant for England. However, despite his commendable display at Euro 2012, blocking shots and making last-ditch tackles is no longer enough to justify his inclusion. His pace is on the wane and the repeatedly poor decision to play an offside trap without the rest of his defence, exposed him. 

Parker was rightfully included in Hodgson's team for the Euros after four years of impressive club form and made captain in the latter stage of Fabio Capello's reign. However, carrying an injury to Poland and Ukraine left Parker short of his best form, exposing him as a limited central midfielder. In Hodgson's preferred 4-4-2, he is not complete enough to justify his place.

It has been a terrible year for Wilshere as injuries ruled him out of an entire campaign as well as the Euros. Absence has most definitely made the heart grow stronger and Wilshere should be at the forefront of Hodgson's mind as England build towards Brazil 2014. His work-rate is neatly married with the typically composed grace in possession that is second nature to Arsenal graduates. He is the modern box-to-box midfielder and something England are crying out for.