Charlie Austin, Jamie Vardy and Tom Heaton: Uncapped trio named in England squad

Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy and Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton have all been named in the England squad for the friendly against Republic of Ireland and European Championship qualifier against Slovenia.

Austin, 25, has scored 17 goals for QPR this season, while Vardy, 28, has played a key role in Leicester's successful attempts to avoid relegation.

Heaton, 29, capped at Under-21 level, is the third uncapped player to earn a call-up for the international double-header despite failing to keep Burnley in the Premier League.

Jack Butland and Harry Kane's inclusion in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Under-21 European Championships sees them omitted from the senior roster.

Danny Welbeck is included as one of four strikers but his recent injury lay-off, which has seen him absent for Arsenal since April, could yet see him replaced.

Jack Wilshere returns after two bouts of ankle surgery this season, while Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ryan Mason retains his place following his maiden call-up earlier in the season.

England face Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 June before taking on Slovenia in Ljubljana in their Euro 2016 qualifier on 14 June.

England 24-man squad to face Republic of Ireland and Slovenia

Goalkeepers: 
Robert Green, Joe Hart, Tom Heaton

Defenders
: Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling

Midfielders
: Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Ryan Mason, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere

Forwards
: Charlie Austin, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy, Danny Welbeck