Roy Hodgson has handed full England debuts to Jamie Vardy and Jonjo Shelvey for the Euro 2016 qualifier in San Marino this evening.
Leicester City striker Vardy is preferred to Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane after scoring two goals in his opening four Premier League games of the season.
The former Fleetwood Town forward partners Wayne Rooney up front as England’s skipper goes chasing Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time scoring record.
The Manchester United striker needs one goal to go level with Charlton on 49, after the same 106 caps, and two to become England’s most prolific scorer.
Swansea City’s Shelvey is given a chance with Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere missing. Like Vardy, his only previous Three Lions appearance came as a substitute.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley also benefit from England’s midfield injury crisis, with Adam Lallana sidelined and Raheem Sterling saved for the visit of Switzerland on Tuesday.
Luke Shaw returns at left-back after an impressive start to the season with United, while John Stones partners Everton teammate Phil Jagielka in defence as Chelsea’s Gary Cahill is rested.
San Marino are yet to pick up a single point in qualifying, while England have 21 out of a possible 21.
Team news for our commentary: SMvENG Rooney starts. Can he break that goalscoring record? http://t.co/Vx1X0KRmse pic.twitter.com/CU3BEhT0d3
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) September 5, 2015
SEE MORE:
Premier League squads: 20 teams ranked best to worst, with striker-shy Arsenal 5th, Chelsea NOT 1st
FIFA 16 ratings: Arsenal, Man United & Tottenham WONDERKIDS to see numbers rocket
8 quality FREE AGENTS still available: Former Man United target & ex-Arsenal ace waiting to be snapped up
COMMENTS