Twitter users were shocked by the inclusion of Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy in the England squad to face Ireland and Slovenia in June.
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The 28-year-old was one of three non-capped players named by Roy Hodgson in the group. QPR striker Charlie Austin and Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton were the other two, but there wasn’t the same consternation at their names being included. All three are members of teams who have either been relegated or, in the case of Vardy, have been in the relegation zone for much of the season.
This news will have at least put to bed the notion that only players at big clubs get chosen for the national team. The trio from less fancied sides have got in ahead of players such as Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw and winger Ashley Young.
Vardy and Austin are also incredible stories, having been playing non-league football not that long ago before rising to the top. The latter even has the amazing stat of being the only player to score against both FC United of Manchester and Manchester United!
Few would have expected this five years ago!
To the mugs who laughed at me for saying after the 5-3 that Jamie Vardy could make the squad! pic.twitter.com/ha725L9aHF
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) May 21, 2015
Jamie Vardy this season: Bookings: 6 Goals: 4 …Called up to the England squad. pic.twitter.com/eTDmUoSRcG
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) May 21, 2015
Jamie Vardy’s career: ’10: Stocksbridge Steels ’11: Halifax ’12: Fleetwood ’13: Leicester ’15: England pic.twitter.com/FBMeTbRUi4 — BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 21, 2015
Four years ago today, Fleetwood traded a half-empty can of lager and a tin of baked beans for Jamie Vardy. #VardyFacts — Dream Team (@dreamteamfc) May 21, 2015
Jamie Vardy: 4 goals in 35 appearances this season. Carlton Cole: 3 goals in 25 appearances this season #campaignagainstwestham — WHUFC (@Forever_WestHam) May 21, 2015
Reminder of England international Jamie Vardy’s Facebook status from 2011. Seems fair enough. pic.twitter.com/x64gCtxCrW — James Howley (@Howley_) May 21, 2015
England call up for #Leicester‘s Jamie #Vardy. He has as many assists from open play as Eden Hazard this season (8). pic.twitter.com/ZMqEwHUDp1 — betway (@betway) May 21, 2015
Jamie Vardy trying to keep up at international level… https://t.co/2NCsIeucbj
— Dangerous Attack Bet (@dangerousattack) May 21, 2015
The state of English football. Herrera and Mata can’t get into the Spanish team while we have 2 Championship players and a Jamie Vardy.
— ManUnitedDaily (@ManUnitedDaily) May 21, 2015