Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend Earn Shock England Call-Ups

Uncapped duo Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley were the shock names in the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

Both players have featured regularly at youth level for England and have seemingly done enough to impress Roy Hodgson who has also kept his faith in Southampton striker Rickie Lambert.

The 31 year old enjoyed a memorable debut when he came off the bench against Scotland to score a late winner and he will now he hoping for further opportunities to stake a claim for a starting berth.

Lambert is joined by in-form Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge who returns to the squad after missing the Scotland friendly through injury.

Injured West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster has been replaced by uncapped Celtic stopper Fraser Forster who will be keen to stake his claim as second choice to Joe Hart.

There is also a surprise recall for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling who has failed to start a Premier League game this season, but did feature as a late substitute in the 1-0 win over Stoke City.

But it is the inclusion of Tottenham winger Townsend and Everton midfielder Barkley that has come as the biggest shock.

Barkley has started both of Everton's Premier League games this season, while Townsend particularly impressed for Tottenham in their 5-0 win over Dinamo Tblisi in the Europa League play-off tie.

Speaking off the uncapped players, Hodgson said: "They can be players who make a big impact and help you to win. They're there on merit.

"But players need to understand the doors open at senior level, but you don't close the door on under-21."

England take on Moldova at Wembley on 6 September, before travelling to Kiev to face Ukraine on 10 September.

England squad in full.

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Ashley Young (Manchester United).