Roy Hodgson has today named the Chelsea trio Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard in his 30 man squad to face Denmark at Wembley next Wednesday.
Gary Cahill has been a revelation this season and has formed a formidable partnership with former England captain John Terry at the heart of the Chelsea defence. The former Bolton defender is now first choice for Roy Hodgson along with Everton centre back Phil Jagielka, who will miss the friendly with a hamstring injury.
Lampard has made more of an impact coming off the bench this season, with the midfield trio of Hazard, Willian and Oscar the preferred midfield option.
With Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere the preferred midfield option for Hodgson it is likely that Lampard’s impact will come from the substitutes bench.
Ashley Cole is somewhat of a surprise inclusion, given his place in the Chelsea starting XI has been taken by Cesar Azpilicueta. It has been a rapid decline for Cole since MourinhoÂ’s return and speculation that he is to leave in the summer will not go away.
Cole could well find himself third choice in the pecking order behind both Baines and Shaw who are both performing admirably for their club sides . This could be yet another blow for the Chelsea man who celebrated his 100th cap last year in a friendly with Brazil at Wembley.
Couldn’t be any happier! Thank you everyone for your messages and support
— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw3) February 27, 2014
Another inclusion was Southampton full back Luke Shaw, who Chelsea have been reportedly interested in. Teenage defender Shaw is one of three left-backs named, along with Leighton Baines and Ashley Cole, and will join up along with Southampton team-mates Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert.
Hodgson said:
“Anyone who has watched him (Shaw) play would not deny he’s deserved his place in a large squad like this. He’s played extremely well and we think he’s a very exciting talent.
I thought it was the right moment to invite him along. We’re very well off in the left-back position, but he’s a player who wants to compete with the other two for a place.”
England squad:
Goalkeepers:Â Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).
Defenders:Â Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Cardiff City), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders:Â Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards:Â Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Jay Rodriguez (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).
