Mixed news for Evertonians as Roy Hodgson names his England Euro 2016 squad via Royal Blue Mersey
Two make it, but two miss out on a summer trip to France
John Stones and Ross Barkley have been included in Roy Hodgson's provisional squad for Euro 2016 – but Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines miss out.
At 33 and 31 respectively you have to wonder whether this spells the end of Jagielka and Baines' international careers. Baines has suffered an injury-hit campaign and now faces competition for a Three Lions spot thanks to the emergence of Danny Rose, Ryan Bertrand and Nathaniel Clyne.
Jagielka has also struggled with injury this season but can still consider himself a little unlucky to miss out. Hodgson has only selected three centre backs but midfielder Eric Dier's ability to play at the back has probably cost Jagielka his spot.
Speaking about Jags and Baines, Hodgson said:
“Leighton Baines hasn’t played for the last year.
“They’re players I respect and admire, but you have to make a decision. I’ve decided we’d rob Peter to pay Paul, in the sense of taking only seven defenders, and unfortunately that’s gone over Phil (Jagielka).
“It was a tough conversation but I’m glad to have spoken to him.”
There is better news for Stones and Barkley who do make it into Hodgson's initial 26-man party, to be cut to 23 players ahead of next month's tournament.
Elsewhere there was a surprise recall for Jack Wilshere, who has made just three appearances this season due to injury. Man Utd youngster Marcus Rashford has also been called-up for the first time..
England face two friendlies against Turkey and Australia before Hodgson names his final 23-man squad on May 31. The Three Lions then play Portugal at Wembley in a final friendly before their opening group game against Russia on June 11.
Elsewhere Brendan Galloway has withdrawn from the England U21 squad for the Toulon tournament due to injury.
Galloway had been due to face Portugal, Guinea, Paraguay and Japan later this month but has been forced to pull out and replaced by Bolton defender Rob Holding.
Provisional England squad for Euro 2016:
Goalkeepers: Forster, Hart, Heaton
Defenders: Bertrand, Cahill, Clyne, Rose, Smalling, Stones, Walker
Midfielders: Alli, Barkley, Dier, Drinkwater, Delph, Henderson, Lallana, Milner, Sterling, Townsend, Wilshere
Strikers: Kane, Rashford, Rooney, Sturridge, Vardy
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