Hodgson: Stones, Shelvey and Vardy will start for England in San Marino
England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that the trio of Jonjo Shelvey, Jamie Vardy and John Stones will start the Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino on Saturday evening.
The Three Lions can secure qualification with victory and have been installed as overwhelming favourites for the clash in Serravalle as they bid to continue their flawless record in Group E.
Although the Croydon-born coach chose to reveal that identity of three members of his side, he refused any speculate further on who else would be given the nod against San Marino, who are yet to claim a point during their qualifying campaign.
"I don't want to give the team because I never do that before qualifying matches and San Marino are no exception to that rule.
"But of course there are some players in this squad that have evoked a lot of interest and there's a lot of speculation whether they'll play so I can say Jonjo Shelvey, who has had a brilliant start to the season, will start the game as will John Stones and Jamie Vardy.
"I can give you those three names but im not prepared to fill in the blanks," confirmed Hodgson.
Shelvey's solitary cap for the senior side came against tomorrow's opponents three years ago but his eye-catching start to the campaign with Swansea City has convinced Hodgson that the 22-year-old is worthy of inclusion.
Stones has also enjoyed a solid start to the season, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his future at Everton, as he was the subject of several bids from Premier League champions Chelsea during the summer.
Leicester City striker Vardy, meanwhile, has scored twice in four games for the Foxes and will be given an opportunity to lead the line.
Captain Wayne Rooney, who is on the brink of breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record, could partner the 28-year-old in attack as England look to secure progression to the finals in France with three games to spare.
ArticleRoy Hodgson: Stones, Shelvey and Vardy will start in San MarinoJamie VardyJohn StonesJonjo ShelveyRoy HodgsonEngland Football TeamHodgson: Stones, Shelvey and Vardy will start for England in San MarinoChelsea's Gary Cahill backs Wayne Rooney to smash England goalscoring record and reach legendary statusManchester United's James Wilson fires in the winner on his England Under-21 debut against USA Under-23sEngland manager Roy Hodgson draws furious response from San Marino counterpart after cricket jokePublishedImageMedium widthFriday, September 4, 2015 - 19:39Chance to shine: Shelvey will start against San MarinoOn