Roy Hodgson has named five Manchester United players in his squad ahead of next week’s friendly with Denmark at Wembley Stadium.
Despite suffering a poor run of form, the latest being a 2-0 loss away to Olympiakos, Hodgson is relying heavily on United’s English talent.
Man of the moment Wayne Rooney will have been one of the first names on the England managers list, and strike partner Danny Welbeck also gets the nod.
Tom Cleverley, who has faced much criticism for his performances this season, including a failed petition to try and prevent him from going to Brazil this summer, also gets a vote of confidence from Hodgson.
Midfeilder Michael Carrick and defender Chris Smalling will also make the trip to St George’s Park in preparation for next week’s clash.
After a shaky start to season, City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been called up as well as jack-of-all trades James Milner.
Southampton’s Luke Shaw, who United and City are reportedly looking at moving for in the summer, will also receive his first senior cap for England.
In the Under-21s, United trio Wilfried Zaha, Michael Keane and Jesse Lingard – who is poised to join Brighton on loan – have all been picked by Gareth Southgate.
The full senior squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Cardiff City), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Jay Rodriguez (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).
Image courtesy of Nike Football, via YouTube, with thanks.
