Rodwell and Sturridge given England chance by Capello
CHELSEA striker Daniel Sturridge and Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell have been handed their first senior England call-ups ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden.
The pair have graduated from Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 squad after enjoying impressive starts to the season for their clubs.
As expected, skipper John Terry has been included despite being the subject of Football Association and Metropolitan Police investigations over an alleged racist remark.
Former skipper Rio Ferdinand has again been left out, while his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney, who will miss the start of Euro 2012 through suspension, has also been omitted.
Liverpool’s Glen Johnson returns to the squad after injury, which means no place for Micah Richards, despite his excellent form for Manchester City. Richards, who captained his side to a 3-2 win over QPR on Saturday, wrote on Twitter: “Well well well!!!! Disappointed is an understatement!!”
ENGLAND SQUAD | V SPAIN AND SWEDEN
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Scott Carson, David Stockdale. Defenders: Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Kyle Walker. Midfielders: Frank Lampard, Jack Rodwell, Stewart Downing, Gareth Barry, Adam Johnson, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott. Strikers: Darren Bent, Daniel Sturridge, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Bobby Zamora, Danny Welbeck.