Uncapped trio handed call-ups

21 May 2015 11:47

Uncapped trio Tom Heaton, Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin have been called up to the England squad for the first time.

Austin has scored 17 goals for QPR this season and Vardy has hit decent form for Leicester, scoring three times in his last nine games to help the Foxes complete their unlikely escape from relegation.

Heaton has performed well for Burnley this term even though they were relegated from the top flight two weeks ago

They now have a chance to make their international debuts in the friendly against the Republic of Ireland on June 7 or the Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia seven days later.

It is perhaps Vardy's inclusion that has caught the eye the most.

With Harry Kane in the Under-21s and Daniel Sturridge out through injury, manager Roy Hodgson has turned to the striker who was playing non-league football with Fleetwood three seasons ago

The 28-year-old scored in Leicester's famous 5-3 win over Manchester United in September but then went six months without scoring before reaching form at the crucial time for Leicester, who secured their top-flight status last week.

Danny Welbeck is included despite concerns over his knee injury and Wayne Rooney is selected even though he missed Manchester United's draw against Arsenal last week with a dead leg.

Source: PA