Roy Hodgson has urged England to emulate the likes of Denmark, Greece or Leicester City during the upcoming European Championships.
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But ex-Blades ace Phil Jagielka is a shock omission in defence.
Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford has been included.
Townsend is in after Hodgson favourite Danny Welbeck sustained a knee injury but Hodgson suggested Rashford is unlikely to make the final squad.
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson were both included after recent spells on the sidelines, but there was no place for Wilshere’s club-mate Theo Walcott.
Prior to this tournament they have also provided the most players to those squads in total with 59, but Liverpool, on 58, will overtake the Red Devils if none of either club’s players are cut for Hodgson’s final 23.
The 26-year-old is in England’s Euro 2016 26-man provisional squad after a starring role in the Foxes’ stunning Premier League title win. “I was pleased to see Jordan Henderson come back”, he said. It’s great to be able to include him. “There’s no reason why he can’t knock someone off their perch but it will be harder than some people might expect”.
Rashford has scored five goals in 12 games this season and has also chipped in with two assists.
It’s now down to Hodgson to ensure the right players get on the pitch.
“Obviously I’ve not been involved with England for quite a while and I’ve always thought that getting into an England squad before a tournament is based on merit”, Defoe told British media.
Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern have been discussing their players and the latest England squad, as they debate comments dropped by the national boss.
The Three Lions face Turkey, Australia and Portugal before heading to France in June. “It will be hard because there are players who have done a good job for us over a period of years”.
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Check out today’s Arsecast Extra in which we laugh at Tottenham.
