England’s Hodgson: Barkley & Townsend can make a difference
England manager Roy Hodgson includes Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend in his squad for next month's World Cup qualfiers
Roy Hodgson says uncapped duo Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend can “make a difference” after being included in England squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Everton midfielder, 19, has impressed under Roberto Martínez in the opening two Premier League games, scoring a spectacular strike against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Townsend netted and made an assist in Tottenham’s 5-1 Europa League win last week, earning the winger a place in the Spurs side which beat Swansea City on Sunday.
And Hodgson, who also included Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling in his 23-man squad, explained the reasoning behind his decision to call-up the duo for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.
“We want to win. Players like Barkley, Townsend and Sterling can make a difference,” said Hodgson.
“They can be players who make a big impact and help you to win. They’re there on merit.
“But players need to understand the doors open at senior level, but you don’t close the door on under-21.”
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was recalled to the England squad after scoring in both of his club’s opening Premier League victories.
Hodgson also wished England’s second-choice goalkeeper Ben Foster a swift recovery after picking up an injury on Saturday.
“It’s a great pity as he’s been in extremely good form and he’s our number two goalkeeper,” Hodgson added, “but we have to accept it and wish him well.”
England squad: Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, John Ruddy; Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker; Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere; Jermain Defoe, Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young.
