Does Jamie Vardy’s England inclusion show that it is far too easy to get a call-up?

Follow us on Google Discover

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has been called up to the latest England squad, but his inclusion may be sending out all of the wrong messages.

Roy Hodgson’s latest England selection has been hampered somewhat by Gareth Southgate’s under-21 squad for this summer’s European Championships.

The England boss could not call upon the services of Harry Kane, Saido Berahino or Danny Ings in his latest senior squad due to the trio being needed at the U21 tournament. It means that Charlie Austin has been rightly rewarded for his fantastic form this season, which has seen him score 17 league goals for relegated QPR.

Another uncapped striker was also handed his first call-up. Leicester forward Jamie Vardy was also included for the first time, but it is a decision which sends out all of the wrong messages.

Vardy has had his moments and has looked lively at times during the Foxes’ recent escape from relegation, but he has hardly set the Premier League alight this season.

The 28-year-old has scored just four goals in 33 appearances in the league and his age suggests he is at his peak. Yes, he is an energetic striker whose work rate and pace can cause some problems for defences, but is he good enough to play for England?

Hodgson’s decision proves that it is far too easy to receive an England call-up these days. It shows that a few above average games just before a squad announcement is enough for a player’s dream to come true.

Vardy is an honest, hard-working player, who has done a decent job at leading Leicester’s line but there is little doubt that he does not have enough quality to play for his country. He has played second fiddle to 12-goal Leonardo Ulloa at his club this season.

Even Troy Deeney or Callum Wilson, who fired Watford and Bournemouth respectively to the Premier League, were more worthy of a call-up, as were former England regulars Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

If Vardy was in his early 20’s, it would be more understandable because there is a chance that he could improve and develop into a top-class striker, but a four-goal season should not be enough for a striker to receive an England call-up.