Lingard called into England squad

Lingard's Old Trafford team-mate Michael Carrick was stretchered off in the last minute of England's 2-0 defeat to Spain on Friday. "We have to wait to see if he is consistent because he is more or less the same age as Memphis Depay".

It is Lingard's first senior call-up, having previously played for England Under-21s.

England take on France later this week with players from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United set to feature.

Even United boss van Gaal had recently said the 22-year-old, after much hype surrounding him, wasn't ready for worldwide football, but Hodgson added he understood what the Dutchman was saying but he has been called with his blessing in the end.

'I don't think he was wrong to say that.

The United academy graduate has earned the man of the match award on his last two appearances for Louis van Gaal'steam against CSKA Moscow and West Brom. That means Eric Dier and Dele Alli are likely to make their full debuts.

John Stones, the 21-year-old Everton defender, will start alongside Gary Cahill in a back four that is also expected to include Nathaniel Clyne, 24, and Kieran Gibbs, 26.

However, via his rather disputable selection choices for the previous worldwide friendly against Spain, and the upcoming fixture with Euro 2016 hosts France, Hodgson's overall decision making qualities have truly been thrown into doubt. I agree the teams we're playing now are big teams and if we want to do anything in the summer, then we're going to have to compete.

The English FA said that the French Football Federation (FFF) had "made it clear that they still wish to play against us". "But, around that, the discussion and thoughts are around the fact this game is being played".