England manager Roy Hodgson says Charlie Austin and Jamie Vardy deserve their call-ups for the internationals against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia next month.
With Harry Kane, Saido Berahino and Danny Ings all on Under-21s duty this summer, Hodgson has named Austin and Vardy in his squad for the first time following impressive seasons for Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City respectively.
England double-header
International Match
Republic of Ireland v England
1pm Sunday 7 June 2015
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifying
Slovenia v England
6pm (local) Sunday 14 June 2015
Stadion Sozice, Ljubljana
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton is another new name in Hodgson's 24-man squad and the England boss is looking forward to welcoming the trio into the senior set-up.
''I'm very pleased to welcome three people who haven't been with us before but who get the chance, to some extent because of the Under-21s," said Hodgson when he spoke to the press on Thursday.
"It is a good opportunity for them to come and show us what they can do.
"I don't think anyone would deny them the right to be there because they have had good seasons with their clubs, often in difficult situations."
Hodgson revealed he and his coaches have had 17-goal hitman Austin on their radar for sometime, but up to now has not felt the need to call upon him.
Charlie Austin has bagged 17 goals for QPR this season
"Sometimes as national coach maybe you do ignore players because maybe they don't quite fit into the dynamic of your group, or because you have had your eye on someone else," said the Three Lions boss.
"The space [for a front player] is there now, not least at all because of Daniel Sturridge [who is out injured], while we hope Danny Welbeck will be fit, but we can't be sure, and of course we do not have Danny Ings or Saido Berahino."
Hodgson added: "One would like to think playing for England is still going to be the dream of all inspiring English footballers when they get to this level, so if this selection helps in anyway, then that can only be advantageous.
"We only select players because we think they can win matches and do good jobs for us."
Following England's two games in June, they then return to action in September with an away game in San Marino followed by their first home game of the new season against Switzerland.
Tickets for the Euro Qualifier against the Swiss on Tuesday 8 September are now available to order online from www.TheFA.com/tickets. For further ticket details, click here.
