Hodgson Names England Squad

Roy Hodgson has named his England squad for the friendlies against Germany and Holland, and two players are in line for their first senior caps.

Danny Drinkwater has been in excellent form all season for table topping Leicester City, and now the midfielder will get his chance to impress at international level following his call-up. Danny Rose has also been called-up. The Tottenham left-back has been involved in previous squads, but is yet to win his first cap for the senior side.

Wayne Rooney misses out due to injury, but Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge are both back in the fold following long-term injury problems. Gary Cahill is expected to captain the side in Rooney’s absence.

Another player returning from a long a sense in goalkeeper Fraser Forster. The big Southampton stopper will compete with Joe Hart and Jack Butland for a place in goal.

Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling are also both in the squad, and Hodgson may well play the pair to see if they have the ability to flourish against two of the biggest names in international football.

There is no place in the squad for Newcastle’s two big money new signings. Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey will have to impress in the final stages of the season if they are to force their way back into Hodgson’s plans.

There are no other surprises in a squad which includes established internationals such as Chris Samlling, Phil Jagielka, Kyle Walker, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson.

England Squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).