Roy Hodgson names squad for September fixtures

The squad doesn’t include many surprises, although some fans weren’t overly excited about the presence of Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Swansea’s Jonjo Shelvey.

Vardy hit the headlines for the wrong reasons earlier this month when he was “substantially fined” by Leicester for allegedly aiming a racial slur at another man in a casino.

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw returns having not played since the friendly win over Scotland last November and Jack Butland and John Stones are included after playing at the European Under-21 Championship.

“Jonjo Shelvey gets another chance as he has been very impressive since the start of the season”, Hodgson said. “This latest squad shows we are working with a good number of players with a claim to be England regulars and secure a place in Euro 2016”, said Hodgson.

Vardy has apologised and since met the alleged victim and agreed to donate his fine to a charity of the man’s choosing.

Tottenham’s Ryan Mason is another midfield player who will be looking to add to his solitary cap as Hodgson lauded the strength in depth at this disposal, while also warning his players not to take their foot off the gas.

“Before that there are two matches we must focus on”.

It is understood that Vardy has since been on a diversity awareness course, organised by the Football Association (FA) at Leicester’s request.

Now on 48, and just one behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time record, the Manchester United forward will go into the games knowing he is on the brink of history.

Hodgson is missing several players through injury, with goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Ben Foster, defenders Ryan Bertrand, Leighton Baines and Phil Jones, midfielders Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson and forwards Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge all sidelined.

England will travel to San Marino on September 5 before hosting Switzerland three days later and now lead Group E by six points.

The only uncapped member of the group is Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton – although he was part of the squad for the June fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.