Tom Cleverley has been called up by Roy Hodgson for his England get-together at St George’s Park, with the Everton midfielder still hopeful of a place at Euro 2016.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form for Roberto Martínez’s team recently but has not played for England since winning the last of his 13 caps against Germany in November 2013.
Hodgson remains an admirer of Cleverley, however, and indicated that the former Manchester United midfielder may still have a part to play in France this summer by inviting him to the gathering at St George’s Park.
The Everton manager said: “Tom has been in Roy Hodgson’s thoughts for a long, long time. Before he signed, Tom was part of the England set-up and has real good experience in that group. I think it is a good idea that the England camp get together and they can review what they have done and prepare and have a bit of a vision going forward.”
Cleverley’s team-mates Ross Barkley, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and John Stones have also travelled to St George’s. Martínez added: “From our point of view it shows the strength that we have in that group and going forward maybe one or two more can help the England team if needed.”
Martínez declined to comment on claims that the American investors John Jay Moores and Charles Noell are hoping to conclude a £200m takeover of Everton before the end of the season.
“There is nothing to mention, it is only speculation at the moment,” the Everton manager said. “We have an incredible chairman [Bill Kenwright], an Evertonian who knows the football club inside-out, and I can guarantee every Evertonian that the future is really strong and it is going to be an exciting future.”
