Jamie Vardy happy to play anywhere for England

30 March 2016 12:53

Jamie Vardy is relishing the race to be England's number one striker at Euro 2016 but is happy to play anywhere if it means making the starting line-up.

Vardy strengthened his case for inclusion in Roy Hodgson's side with another goal against Holland at Wembley on Tuesday night, coming three days after his expert finish in the victory over Germany.

The Leicester striker wore the number 10 shirt against the Dutch, normally donned by Wayne Rooney, but with the Manchester United striker still recovering from a knee injury, Vardy piled more pressure on his absent team-mate.

Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge are also vying for the starting berth when England face Russia on June 11 and Hodgson may need to adjust his system to accommodate a wealth of forward options.

Vardy has been used wide of a front three while Rooney and Kane could both drop deeper and play behind a lone striker.

"It's massive competition and that means everyone will be trying that extra one or two per cent, that's important in games," Vardy said.

"I have to play wherever the manager wants. I'm perfectly happy to play in whatever system he has got ready for that game.

"We played with two up top and I'm down the middle and we changed at the weekend from when I came on up top. Wherever the boss wants me to play, I will put in 110 per cent."

Vardy's first-half goal was not enough to prevent England losing 2-1 to Holland but it takes his tally to 21 for club and country this season.

The 29-year-old's deft flick-finish in Berlin showed a player brimming with confidence although Vardy says his focus is on staying calm.

"They can only be good for my confidence - going into training on the back of two goals and I'll hopefully be scoring at the weekend," Vardy said.

"I've not seen the Germany goal that many times to be honest. I don't really look at my goals after I scored.

"My Mrs messaged me saying it was all over Twitter but I'd rather just relax if possible."

Vardy played alongside club team-mate Danny Drinkwater, who was making his international debut, meaning it is the first time two Leicester players had started for England in 42 years.

Drinkwater was named man of the match after a composed display in midfield and Vardy paid tribute to the debutant's contribution.

"He's been playing brilliant week in week out, I think he deserves his chance and he was named man of the match," Vardy said.

"He's been typical Danny, he settles in quickly, he has a laugh and a joke and he's been brilliant."

Drinkwater said: "Personally I enjoyed it, it's a big achievement but I'm disappointed with the result.

"Hopefully I've not done myself any harm. It's just about carrying on now for the rest of the season and seeing if I can add to it."

Source: PA