Roy Hodgson says recalled duo Michael Carrick and Stewart Downing are back in the England squad on merit
The pair were named in Hodgson's 26-man group as they prepare to face Slovenia on Saturday at Wembley, followed by Scotland in Glasgow next Tuesday – and the manager has backed them to contribute to England's Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
England v Slovenia
International match
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
5pm Saturday 15 November
TheFA.com/tickets
Michael Carrick has not featured for England since the 2-0 victory against Poland in October 2013, although Hodgson said the Manchester United midfielder came close to making his squad for Brazil.
“Michael was unlucky not to go the World Cup and the reason he didn’t was because there was Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and I didn’t feel I could take him as well,” said Hodgson.
“I’m still trying to pick the best players to win matches and we’ll see what happens in 2016.
“But I’m really pleased to have players like Carrick to call upon and use if I want.”
Stewart Downing’s international hiatus has been even longer than Carrick’s.
The West Ham man has not featured for the Three Lions since the Euro 2012 warm-up game against Norway in Oslo in May 2012.
But Hodgson says his early-season form for the Hammers made it an easy decision.
“You’ve got a guy like Downing who was a winger when we took him to Euro 2012, went to Liverpool then had a move to West Ham,” added Hodgson.
“Now suddenly in the last two or three months when he’s changed position he’s really blossomed again and shown the qualities which made Liverpool pay a lot of money for him in the first place.”
England take on Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday 15 November, kick-off at 5pm. There are still a limited number of tickets available. Click here to buy yours.
