Hodgson insists Drinkwater and Dier are behind Arsenal FC star Jack Wilshere in England pecking order

Eric Dier and Danny Drinkwater have broken into the England senior squad after playing a key role at Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City respectively this season.

Dier and Drinkwater are the midfield linchpins for Spurs and Leicester City respectively, and have both excelled in an holding midfield role. Although their impact this season has prompted Roy Hodgson to include them in the England set-up, the Three Lions’ manager was less certain about their first-team prospects.

Hodgson recently revealed that he still considers Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere as the best man for the deeper midfield role, despite the 24-year-old being out with injury for the majority of the season.

“He did it against France [protect the defence], that’s for sure, and does it for Tottenham,” said Hodgson, according to goal.com.

“I’ve been very impressed so have called him up with Drinkwater, who does a similar job for Leicester City.

“They’re still in the shadow of Jack Wilshere, who did so well for us before his injury. If all three were available for the Euros, that’d be a nice headache because there might not be space for all three.”

Hodgson spoilt for choice in the midfield department

Jack Wilshere has failed to make a single appearance for Arsenal this season due to his injury concerns. However, the Englishman could return for the Gunners after the international break and is likely to be in contention for a spot in Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad.

While Wilshere has played no part in Arsenal’s topsy-turvy season, Dier and Drinkwater have been ever-present for their respective clubs, which currently occupy the top two spots on the Premier League table. Drinkwater has made 30 appearances for Leicester City, registering four assists and a goal, while Dier has played for Spurs both domestically and in Europe, scoring four goals and registering an assist in 44 appearances.

Eric Dier’s aerial threat, which was on display in Berlin on Saturday when he scored a late winner for England, will also sway public opinion in his favour. It will be interesting to see whether Roy Hodgson persists with an established star instead of giving Dier or Drinkwater an opportunity to shine.