Liverpool forward Danny Ings has been called up to the England squad for next week’s internationals, but Roy Hodgson has sensibly opted not to include Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge has recently made his comeback after missing most of the last year through different injuries – the first of which was picked up on international duty 12 months ago.
The 26-year-old started the Reds’ last two Premier League games, against Norwich and Aston Villa – scoring twice in the latter – but won’t be risked against FC Sion tonight.
Speaking yesterday, Brendan Rodgers said he had no concerns had Sturridge been called up for England duty.
“At this moment in time the concern is making sure he is fit and ready for Liverpool,” said Rodgers on the matter.
“But Daniel is back in the fold now and he is obviously one of the top English strikers so if he is back fit and performing I’d expect him to be chosen for the national team.”
Hodgson though has wisely opted not to push the fragile forward too soon.
But instead there’s a call-up for in-form Danny Ings, who impressed in those two aforementioned league games and the League Cup tie against Carlisle last week. The 23-year-old has been a regular for England’s under-21s but has earned his first call up to the senior squad.
Ings joins fellow Reds Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and James Milner in the squad.
England play Estonia and Lithuania in European qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Jordon Ibe and Joe Gomez have been called up to the England under-21 squad.
Full England squad:
Jack Butland, Joe Hart, Tom Heaton
Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, John Stones
Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling
Danny Ings, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy, Theo Walcott
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