Roy Hodgson has handed Ross Barkley, Andros Townsend and Fraser Forster their first England senior call-ups after announcing a 27 man squad for England’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Moldova and the Ukraine.
The 19 year old Barkley has been rewarded for his impressive start to the Premier League season that included a 23 yard rocket of a goal in the 2-2 draw against Norwich City in the season opener. Joining Barkley are Everton teammates Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines.
Townsend flew onto the Three Lions’ radar this past Sunday after he marauded his way to a sensational performance in Spurs’ 1-0 victory over Swansea City. The 22 year old gave left-back Ben Davies a difficult match but was an absolute nightmare for Jonjo Shelvey, who was whistled for taking down Townsend in the box resulting in Roberto Soldado’s penalty. Tottenham teammates Kyle Walker and Jermain Defoe have also been named to the squad.
Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster was also called into the squad for the first time, replacing West Bromwich Albion’s Ben Foster, who is out for three months after suffering an injury against Everton last Saturday.
Other notables included in Hodgson’s team are Rickie Lambert, who kept his spot after impressing in his debut with England two weeks ago when he scored the game-winner in the 3-2 victory over Scotland, and Daniel Sturridge, who rejoins the squad after missing the Scotland game through injury.
Hodgson made some slightly controversial decisions as well, calling in four players who have thus far made a combined three substitute appearances in the Premier League: Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling, Manchester United’s Chris Smalling and Ashley Young and Manchester City’s James Milner.
Notable exclusions include Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor, Tottenham’s Michael Dawson, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Cardiff City’s Frazier Campbell. Check out the entire list below.
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Ashley Young (Manchester United).
