Roy Hodgson reveals why he picked Ings and Alli for England but left out Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge has been left out of Roy Hodgson's squad

ROY HODGSON has resisted the temptation to call up Daniel Sturridge despite his return to action for Liverpool.

 

The striker hit two as the Reds beat Aston Villa last weekend in what was his second game back from injury.

Brendan Rodgers seemed to leave the door open for Hodgson to pick Sturridge, but did warn him he wouldn't be capable of playing twice in four days.

England face Estonia and Lithuania in the final games of Group E having already qualified for the tournament in France next summer.

 

Hodgson called up Sturridge's team-mate Danny Ings to the squad for the first time but admits the former Chelsea striker will be in contention for the friendly with France next month, if his fitness holds up.

"We think it's better for Daniel to concentrate on what is a pre-season at Liverpool. We hope to see a player in good form next month," Hodgson said.

"Danny Ings is someone we followed with the U21s last year and this was a good opportunity to bring him in after scoring goals for Liverpool."

 

Danny Ings has been called into Roy Hodgson's England squad

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been called up for the first time after an impressive start to the season.

Alli signed for Spurs from MK Dons in January but went straight back on loan, but has made an impact in the centre of midfield for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

"We've been impressed with Dele Alli and this is a chance to get to know him. He's a very exciting talent," Hodgson said.

Alli comes in at a time when England are short of options in midfield with Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson and Fabian Delph all out injured.

 

Dele Alli has been called into the England squad

But Pochettino recently warned Hodgson against picking Alli too early.

"It is the same situation as last season with Harry Kane," Pochettino said. "Be careful with the young players that arrive in the Premier League.

"It is not easy. Again it is not my decision. It is Roy Hodgson's decision if he wants to call up Dele Alli. You can see he is a player who is very mature and shows great quality.

"But always in football you need to take it step by step, game by game. He has a great personality and good character. But it is too much of a rush to talk about bigger steps for him."