Jack Cork has been called up by Gareth Southgate due to England’s injury crisis ahead of friendlies with Germany and Brazil
Burnley midfielder is a shock addition to boss's 26-man squad after Henderson, Sterling and Delph join absentees
JACK CORK has been called up by Gareth Southgate due to England’s injury crisis.
Burnley midfielder Cork, 28, is one of a few new arrivals to the squad for the games with Germany and Brazil.
Harry Kane (knee), Harry Winks (ankle), Dele Alli (hamstring), Jordan Henderson (thigh), Fabian Delph (calf) and Raheem Sterling (back) have all returned to their clubs.
The injuries have come as a massive blow to Southgate who was hoping to experiment with key players during the two friendlies at Wembley.
England face Germany on Friday and Brazil four days later meaning Cork could feature in at least one of the games.
He has impressed since arriving from Swansea for £10m in the summer and has previously played in the under-21s as well as being part of Great Britain’s 2012 Olympics squad.
Cork said: “I'm really, really happy.
“We've had a good start to the season and you're probably not going to get many better opportunities to be in the England squad, because we are doing so well.
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“Four or five of the lads in the Burnley squad probably could have got in at the same time as me, so I feel lucky that I've been given the chance.”
Burnley manager Sean Dyche said: “It's great for him and a deserved call-up.”
Jake Livermore has also been called up by the Three Lions, having initially been snubbed, and Southgate could increase the size of the squad over the next 24 hours.
England will train at St George's Park today and tomorrow before heading down to London for the game.
They will remain in the capital and prepare at Tottenham's training base for the sessions on Sunday and Monday.