Harry Kane, 21, has been called up for the England squad for the first time as Roy Hodgson released his 24-squad for the two international friendlies against Lithuania and Italy.
Kane joins captain Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck as England's forward men for the friendlies on Friday 27th March and Tuesday 31st March. Hodgson said it isn't a surprise that Kane is included.. "His rise has been fantastic. It would have been more of a surprise if he'd not been selected."
Hodgson chose to only select 24 members for his squad, one less than the allowed 25, taking just two goalkeepers with him in Joe Hart and Fraser Forster.
The England boss spoke about Joe Hart's 'amazing' performance against Barcelona on Wednesday night,
"Joe stood up very, very well, made it very difficult. His one on one with Messi was particularly impressive.
"Pleased for him, disappointed for his club, he's a guy that won't take as much delight from his own performance because they went out."
"Joe Hart knows his ability and we do too. He comes to us on the back of a great performance for Manchester City last night"
Tottenham striker, Kane is the only debutant in the squad while Fabian Delph makes his second appearance in an England squad. Nathaniel Clyne is in his third England squad.
"The whole country excited to see Harry Kane, his rise has been fantastic. It would be a surprise if he hadn't been selected." Hodgson said.
He added, "He's been doing it week in week out for Tottenham and deserves his chance."
Roy Hodgson said he thought the Premier League was not declining despite no team from England making the Champions League quarter-finals this season.
"The Premier League and clubs won't want that. Unfortunately, if you want the fourth place then you must keep your status high.
"I don't think it's endemic, but City came up against a great team, Arsenal played fantastic in the second leg and Chelsea was incredibly close. It's a fact of life. Champions League is a very high standard."
"The Premier League and clubs won't want that. Unfortunately, if you want the fourth place then you must keep your status high.
"I don't think it's endemic, but City came up against a great team, Arsenal played fantastic in the second leg and Chelsea was incredibly close. It's a fact of life. Champions League is a very high standard."
On his future as England manager after 2016, he said:
"I want to do my job that I'm currently contracted for. After these qualifiers and the Euros, I want to be in a good position. But I'm perfectly happy with my life. I'm pleased that we've put Brazil behind us.
"I believe we will qualify and believe we will be in a position to make a good account of ourselves in France."
On whether he wanted a new deal, "As long as the employers are comfortable with me, I don't want to outstay my welcome and we'll have those conversations in the future."
On dealing with club managers:
"If you want to be a top international player you have to play for the top clubs. I don't envisage any problems in those areas. If they're fit, I expect them to turn up and play for England.
"Louis Van Gaal understands that better than most."
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)
Manchester United and Liverpool, who play againt each other on Sunday, form the core of the side with 5 and 4 players from each club respectively.