Shelvey and Bertrand join England squad as Gibbs withdraws from World Cup qualifiers

Oct 8, 2012 5:00:00 PM

The two starlets will get a chance to impress Roy Hodgson following an injury to Arsenal's left-back, though the Reds youngster may drop down to the Under-21s for their next game

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand have been called up to England's senior squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

With Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs pulling out after picking up a thigh injury against West Ham at Upton Park over the weekend, the Chelsea utility man has been added to the squad by manager Roy Hodgson as cover for club team-mate Ashley Cole and Everton's Leighton Baines.

Shelvey wins his first call-up after being promoted from Stuart Pearce's Under-21 side, after originally being drafted in to train with the squad off the back of Frank Lampard picking up a knee injury during Chelsea's 4-1 win over Norwich at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old has quickly made himself a key part of Brendan Rodgers' plans at Anfield so far this season with a series of mature displays at the heart of midfield.

He will miss the U-21's game against Serbia at Carrow Road on Friday, but is expected to rejoin the squad for the return fixture against the Eastern European side the following Tuesday.

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