Danny joy if Big Sam is calling
DANNY DRINKWATER is set for an England recall after his Euro 2016 snub.
New Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce is ready to include Drinkwater – and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend – in his squad to travel to Slovakia for a 2018 World Cup qualifier two weeks today.
Both were in the 26-man provisional squad for the Euros, but did not make Roy Hodgson’s final 23.
It was a big blow for Drinkwater, 26, following an outstanding contribution to Leicester title triumph.
But Allardyce will usher him back into the England fold when he announces his squad next Sunday.
He is an admirer of Drinkwater’s work ethic and team responsibilities and was impressed by his link-up play with Jamie Vardy.
Townsend is also set for a new lease of international life. Allardyce watched him play for Palace against Tottenham at White Hart Lane yesterday and will monitor his form.
Two others on his radar are Burnley keeper Tom Heaton and centre-back Michael Keane. Allardyce dispatched assistant Sammy Lee to Turf Moor yesterday to check on the pair.
Heaton, 30, could be a surprise addition to the squad with the future of Joe Hart still in the balance following his axing by new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
That put his status as England’s No.1 keeper in jeopardy and it is believed Allardyce was unconvinced by him following Euros blunders against Wales and Iceland.
Dan Ashworth has turned down the job as director of football at Aston Villa to stay in the England set-up.
The FA’s technical director was head-hunted by new Villa owner Tony Xia, but refused the offer and Villa appointed former Everton and Manchester United assistant boss Steve Round instead.