England boss Roy Hodgson pleased with forward options

England manager Roy Hodgson looks forward to the FA Cup fifth-round match between Bournemouth and Everton on February 20, 2016
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England boss Roy Hodgson calls on his forward players to make an impression in the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Netherlands.

England boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that he is looking forward to seeing how his forward players perform in the upcoming international friendlies against Germany and Netherlands.

Hodgson has included five strikers - Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck - in his latest squad, with Sturridge and Welbeck both selected despite their injury problems.

The Three Lions manager has said it is "always nice" to have options in the final third, but called on those selected to make their mark in the next two games.

"It's always nice to announce a squad when you have got some riches in front of you, but we need to produce on the pitch," Hodgson told reporters.

"You need a very strong squad and versatility for a tournament. We have got six very good and different strikers including Wayne Rooney. It will be interesting to see how it is with Daniel, he hasn't been with us for a long time. But we won't be looking to take any extra special care with him.

"I just hope he's got over the period he's had over the last year and a half, and can be the same player we had in spring 2014. And I think Danny Welbeck looks good and sharp - I know that Arsene [Wenger] is happy with the way he's come back."

Hodgson also handed a first senior call-up to Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater.

Danny Drinkwater celebrates getting the equaliser during the Premier League game between Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion on March 1, 2016
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