Leicester's Drinkwater gets first England call-up

Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater on Thursday received his first call to join the England football team for Euro 2016 warm-up friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

England manager Roy Hodgson named a 24-man squad for the upcoming friendlies. Uncapped Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose was also selected.

"What he's done has been evident to everybody. He's had a fantastic season, but even last year we were aware of him," Hodgson said on Thursday in reference to the 26-year-old Drinkwater.

Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Fraser Forster return to the squad after injury, while captain Wayne Rooney missed out.

England travel to face Germany in Berlin on March 26. Hodgson's men then return to England, where they face the Netherlands at the Wembley Stadium on March 29.

The squad: 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 Hotspur), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

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

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