Drinkwater earns first England call

Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been included in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the first-time for the upcoming friendly internationals against Germany and the Netherlands.

The 26-year-old has been rewarded for his fine form at club level, as he has featured in 28 league matches for the Foxes this season, as they continue to lead the way in the Premier League standings.

The former Manchester United player represented England at under-19 level, but he has now got his opportunity to shine for the senior squad, with Hodgson confirming that the midfielder has been on his radar for some time.

He said: “Danny Drinkwater’s had a fantastic season in a team that’s having a fantastic season. Even last year we were aware of him, and on this occasion I thought it was a good opportunity to bring him in and see if he can reproduce his football for Leicester at an international level.”

Tottenham full-back Danny Rose is the only other uncapped player in Hodgson’s 24-man squad, whilst the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Fraser Forster have all been recalled after missing the last international break through injury.

Experienced duo Michael Carrick and Leighton Baines are notable absentees from the Three Lions squad, whilst the likes of captain Wayne Rooney, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere are absent due to injury.

England will face world champions Germany in Berlin on March 26, before they take on the Dutch at Wembley three days later.

The Three Lions will begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia at the Stade Velodrome on June 11, before they face further Group B matches against Wales and Slovakia.

Hodgson’s men are available at 1.80 to finish top of Group B, whilst they are on offer at 1.08 to qualify for the knockout stages.