Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater named in England squad

After a string of impressive displays for the Premier League leaders, the 26-year-old has earned his first call-up to the national side. Tottenham left-back Danny Rose is the only other uncapped player in the 24-man squad.

Drinkwater's club team-mate Jamie Vardy and Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge were also named in the squad, while Spurs have five representatives.

"Danny Drinkwater's had a fantastic season in a team that's having a fantastic season," said England boss Roy Hodgson.

"Even last year we were aware of him, and on this occasion I thought it was a good opportunity to bring him in and see if he can reproduce his football for Leicester at an international level."

However, Hodgson insisted this was not the final chance for an outsider to force their way into the Euro 2016 frame.

"It would be foolish to put barriers in place," he added.

"It's going to be a task for people to break in, as it should be, because anyone who breaks in is going to take the place of someone who's been there for the last two years doing quite well. But I am not prepared to say this is it."

England travel to Berlin to face world champions Germany on March 26, before the clash against the Dutch at Wembley on March 29.

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

By late evening on March 29, we will have a clearer indication of whether Drinkwater belongs on the international stage or has merely been kept afloat by N’Golo Kante in the Leicester midfield this season.

If Hodgson is serious about taking him to the Euros, Drinkwater must feature against world champions Germany – only then will we know if he has the potential to become an England regular.

Drinkwater is probably in a three-way tussle with Jack Wilshere (injured) and Michael Carrick (omitted) for the final spot on the plane to France. This inclusion bodes well for the 26-year-old, but if he fails to show promise, expect the axe to fall hastily.