Lambert handed first England start

05 September 2013 19:46

Striker Rickie Lambert will make his first England start in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova, manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed.

Lambert came off the bench to score the winning goal against Scotland on debut last month.

And now, with Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge both injured, the 31-year-old will get his first start at international level on Friday night when England host Moldova at Wembley.

Lambert was joint-top English scorer in the Premier League last season after striking 15 times.

He has maintained that form so far this season, following up his debut header against the Scots with a strike for Southampton against West Brom.

"I have picked the team and Rickie Lambert will start, yes," Hodgson said in an interview with radio reporters.

"He deserves a chance. I can't deny had Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge been available, it would have been harder for him to get a starting place but I am more than happy to have a player of his calibre to start this game."

Source: PA