Wheel of fortune favours Vardy - he looks set to land an England recall

29 August 2015 10:16

Roy Hodgson is expected to recall Jamie Vardy to the England squad on Sunday despite his recent fine for using racist language.

Hodgson rewarded Vardy for his fine form at the end of last season by calling him up to the England squad for the first time.

The 28-year-old came off the bench to make his international debut in England's 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland in June.

The Yorkshireman started this season well, scoring in the 4-2 win over Sunderland on the opening day of the campaign, but found himself in trouble soon after when a video was published of him calling a man a "Jap" three times during an argument at a casino.

But Hodgson has decided to call the forward up for the upcoming games against San Marino and Switzerland because he is satisfied that the player's contrite behaviour since.

After being handed a "substantial" fine by Leicester, Vardy issued a public apology.

"I wholeheartedly apologise for any offence I've caused," he said.

"It was a regrettable error in judgement I take full responsibility for, and I accept my behaviour was not up to what's expected of me."

Press Association Sport understands Vardy has recently met with the man he racially abused to talk the situation over.

Between them they agreed on a charity which will receive the money from Vardy's fine.

It is understood that Vardy has since been on a diversity awareness course, organised by the Football Association (FA) at Leicester's request.

FA director of elite development Dan Ashworth is also due to meet the forward in order to remind him of his responsibilities as an England international.

Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is also expected to be included in the squad, which is due to be announced on Sunday evening.

Shelvey made his England debut in the 5-0 home win over San Marino on October 2012, but has not played for the Three Lions since.

The 23-year-old has had disciplinary issues of his own, but his excellent form this season has earned him a recall.

Hodgson was due to name the squad for the double-header last Thursday, but postponed the announcement until Sunday because of several injury doubts.

England are short of defenders with Ryan Bertrand, Leighton Baines and Phil Jones all out through injury. Left-back Danny Rose is still to play a game for Spurs this term because of a thigh problem.

His Spurs team-mate Andros Townsend is doubtful due to an ankle injury, but Kyle Walker is available.

Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge - all permanent fixtures in Hodgson's squad when fit - are also unavailable through injury.

Ben Foster and Fraser Forster are still out with long-term knee injuries and Stoke stopper Jack Butland has been playing with a broken finger of late.

Harry Kane is likely to return to the seniors following his appearance at the disappointing European Under-21 Championship this summer.

If England beat San Marino a week on Saturday and Slovenia fail to beat Switzerland on the same day, Hodgson's men will qualify for Euro 2016 with three games to spare.

The Three Lions welcome Switzerland to Wembley on September 8.

The squad will meet up to start preparations for the games on Tuesday, which is also transfer deadline day. Any players involved in transfers are likely to be given permission to leave St George's Park and tie up deals before the 6pm deadline if necessary.

Source: PA