Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand have been called up to England’s senior squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
With Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs pulling out after picking up a thigh injury against West Ham at Upton Park over the weekend, the Chelsea utility man has been added to the squad by manager Roy Hodgson as cover for club team-mate Ashley Cole and Everton’s Leighton Baines.
Shelvey wins his first call-up after being promoted from Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 side, after originally being drafted in to train with the squad off the back of Frank Lampard picking up a knee injury during Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Norwich at Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old has quickly made himself a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans at Anfield so far this season with a series of mature displays at the heart of midfield.
He will missĀ the U-21’s game against Serbia at Carrow Road on Friday, but is expected to rejoin the squad for the return fixture against the Eastern European side the following Tuesday.