England squad: Roy Hodgson calls up Tottenham defender Eric Dier and takes shots at Arsene Wenger

Roy Hodgson has given Eric Dier his first England call-up, including the Tottenham star in the squad for the upcoming internationals against Spain and France. Spurs and Manchester United both have four players in the pool, while Arsenal have just one representative, Kieran Gibbs, due to injuries claiming the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere.

The Three Lions face major friendly tests against two of the favourites to win Euro 2016, with a trip to Alicante on 13 November followed by a home match against France four days later.

Hodgson also told Arsene Wenger that clubs should not blame national team bosses when players suffer injuries after international exertions – backing up Chris Coleman's claim that the Gunners' coach made a "cheap shot" when blaming Wales for Aaron Ramsey's injury.

"He [Coleman] must stand for what he believes in and that's his right to say it," said Hodgson as quoted by the Mirror. "I've got sympathy with Arsene because to lose three players like he did you look for every possible reason there could be.

"But I don't know whether you can blame national teams if they get injured after returning to their clubs."

Speaking about Dier's call-up, the boss added: "He's done very well. Obviously it's a position in the centre of midfield where we wanted someone of a more defensive bent and there are not a lot of those players available. "We are much more blessed in terms of forward players or attack-minded players but this is a good opportunity for him. Having seen what he can do for Tottenham we can see what he can do for us."

Dier's teammate Dele Alli has also retained his position in the squad after making his international debut last month in the qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania. Hodgson, however, has not included Andros Townsend in the squad, although said his decision was not down to the player's recent row with coach Nathan Gardiner during a warm down after Spurs' 3-1 win against Aston Villa.

Hodgson said: "I'm sad for him, Spurs but these things happen. Pleased to see he's apologised."

Meanwhile, Everton centre-back John Stones and Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph return to the squad after missing recent games for England due to injury.