Four Liverpool players have been named in the latest England squad including youngsters Raheem Sterling and Jonjo Shelvey…
England manager Roy Hodgson has named his 23-man squad for the prestigious friendly against Sweden next week and there are four Liverpool players included.
Most notable amongst them is Raheem Sterling who will become only the third 17-year-old to play for England in nearly 150 years should he take to the field at some stage.
If the Jamaican born starlet does follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott, who are also both selected, it will be just reward for a staggering rise to prominence at Anfield.
After a couple of substitute appearances last season, Sterling has blossomed this term under Brendan Rodgers, becoming the club’s second youngest ever goalscorer and one of the first names of the team sheet.
Club mate Jonjo Shelvey, who earned his first cap as a late substitute during the 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley last month, retains his place in the squad.
The 20-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool over the summer and has made 13 appearances this season, has now represented the Three Lions at U16, U17, U19, U21 and full level.
Hot on the heels of making his 600th appearance for Liverpool last weekend, Reds captain Steven Gerrard, 31, is in line to win his 100th cap in the game.
Glen Johnson, 28, is the other current Reds player to be named in the travelling party but his participation will depend on overcoming a hamstring injury suffered during the Europa League match with Anzhi Makhachkala last month.
The squad features 10 changes to the one announced for the recent World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland with Everton midfielder Leon Osman called up for a first time.
Arsenal star Jack Wilshere returns after more than 16 monhs away from international football and after only three competitive appearances for the Gunners since his return from long-term injury.
The squad plan to meet up on Sunday evening before training in Manchester in the days before travelling to Sweden’s new Swedbank Arena near Stockholm.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Tottenham), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Leon Osman (Everton), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United).
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).
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