Arsenal, Everton stars rewarded for first team displays

England manager Roy Hodgson has named Leon Osman and Jack Wilshere in his squad for next week’s friendly with Sweden in Stockholm.

Arsenal maestro Wilshere has not featured for his country since appearing against Switzerland in June 2011 while Everton’s Osman earns his first call-up at the age of 31.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger felt that Wilshere would be better off resting during the international break but the red card he received against Manchester United last week means he could do with some football to regain his sharpness and a friendly against Sweden represents an ideal opportunity.

Osman must have felt his chance for an England cap had passed him by but his inclusion is well deserved after a run of consistent performances for Everton.

Other surprises in the squad include out of form Daniel Sturridge and inexperienced Raheem Sterling.

Squad: Hart (Manchester City), Ruddy (Norwich), Forster (Celtic); Baines (Everton), Bertrand (Chelsea), Cahill (Chelsea), Caulker (Tottenham), Jagielka (Everton), Johnson (Liverpool), Shawcross (Stoke), Walker (Tottenham); Cleverley (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool, capt), Lennon (Tottenham), Osman (Everton), Shelvey (Liverpool), Sterling (Liverpool), Walcott (Arsenal), Wilshere (Arsenal), Young (Manchester United); Rooney (Manchester United), Sturridge (Chelsea), Welbeck (Manchester United).

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Tags: Arsenal, England, Everton, Jack Wilshere, Leon Osman