Seven Merseyside-based players have been named in England’s provisional 26-man squad for this summer’s European Championships in France.
Three Lions manager Hodgson this morning named his group for the forthcoming pre-tournament games against Turkey, Australia and Portugal, which he is then expected to whittle down to just 23 before the UEFA deadline on May 30.
The former Liverpool boss’ squad contains a strong Merseyside contingent featuring no less than seven players from Liverpool and Everton, with Reds quintet Nathaniel Clyne, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge joining Blues pair John Stones and Ross Barkley in the provisional party for the prestigious tournament.
But experienced Everton duo Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines were among the high-profile names to have missed out on selection after enduring mixed seasons at Goodison Park.
Club captain Jagielka has been a regular for his country in recent seasons but narrowly missed out on the squad following the England manager’s decision to plump for three central defenders.
England kick off their European Championship preparations with a game against Turkey on Sunday May 22, before facing Australia five days later and culminating with a fixture against tournament rivals Portgual on June 2.
The Three Lions start their European Championship campaign against Russia in Marseille on June 11.
Revealed! Roy Hodgson names a 26-man squad for the #ThreeLions‘ pre-#EURO2016 friendlies.#TogetherForEngland pic.twitter.com/HCAr7NpvoQ
— England (@England) May 16, 2016