Hodgson hands Foxes star first England call-up

Leicester midfielder included in squad to face world champs

England boss Roy Hodgson yesterday handed uncapped Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater a first call-up and insisted there is still time for players to force their way into his thinking for this summer’s European Championships.

Drinkwater’s exceptional form for the Barclays Premier League leaders has seen him called into Hodgson’s 24-man squad for a friendly with world champions Germany in Berlin next week and a glamour tie with Holland at Wembley.

The 26-year-old’s selection, at the expense of Manchester Uni ted’ s Michael Carrick, shows there is still a chance to break into Hodgson’s plans before he names his squad for the Euro 2016 finals in France on May 12.

“He’s had a fantastic season in a team that’ s having a fantastic season. Even last year we were aware of him,” Hodgson said of Drinkwater.

“In that area of the field, in midfield, the competition is quite fierce.

“On this occasion I thought it was an opportunity to bring him in and see if he can reproduce the type of football and the quality he’s shown for Leicester at international level.”

Hodgson refused to rule out further newcomers.

The 68-year-old added: “At the moment we’re looking at a fairly large group, with this group of players, but who knows? There’s still five or six weeks left of the season. Let’s leave the door open.”

Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Drinkwater, who has not represented England since under-19 level, are the only uncapped members of the squad.

West Ham’s Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell were among those to miss out, having been touted for possible call-ups, while the injured players include captain Wayne Rooney and Arsenal pair J ac kWil she re and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Two players back from injuries are Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge and Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck, who are part of a five-strong strike force which includes Tottenham’ s Harry Kane, Var dy of Leicester and Arsenal’s Theo Walcott.

Meanwhile, Harry Red knapp has been named manager of Jordan for their next two World Cup qualifying matches.

The 69-year-old former Tottenham and West Ham boss will take charge of the March 24 clash with Bangladesh and the March 29 contest with Australia.

Redknapp was also this week named a football adviser of Championship club Derby.

Getty. Danny Drinkwater has impressed England boss Roy Hodgson.

Danny Rose is the only other uncapped player in the squad.