England coach Roy Hodgson has called up West Brom striker Saido Berahino to the senior squad for the very first time.
The 21-year-old could now potentially make his debut for the team for the very first time, after playing for the England Under-21s and scoring eight goals in 13 appearances for his club.
Speaking of the decision to call Berahino up prior to to England’s matches against Slovenia and Scotland, Hodgson said: “The reasons are quite obvious, not only because he’s done so well for his club but for the Under-21s team too.
“He’s been in good form and he has been in our mind since the last get-together. The Under-21s only have a friendly so I saw no reason not to bring him in now.
“There is no point bringing these players in if they don’t have a chance to play. He will hope to but he faces competition from the other strikers too.”
Berahino will join strikers Rooney, Welbeck and Lambert as all four strikers vie for a place in the opening line-up. Sturridge will miss the games as the Liverpool striker is still re-cooperating from his calf injury.
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