EXCLUSIVE: Hodgson's big gamble as Townsend handed shock first England cap for crunch Montenegro clash... but there's no place for Wilshere



Andros Townsend is set to be handed a sensational surprise start against Montenegro as Roy Hodgson aims to take England a step closer to next year's World Cup.

Sportsmail understands the young Tottenham star will line-up on the right-hand side of midfield, with Manchester United's Danny Welbeck on the other flank.

Townsend, who was suspended over the summer for breaching betting regulations, has been in excellent form for Spurs this season and was particularly impressive against Chelsea at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago. He has three Under 21 caps.

Scroll down to watch Harry Redknapp urging Roy Hodgson to play Andros Townsend



Deep end: Andros Townsend (left), in training this week, will be handed a first cap against Montenegro Reward: Townsend has started the season in fine form for Tottenham

ENGLAND LINE-UP

Hart ; Walker, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Townsend, Gerrard, Lampard, Welbeck; Rooney; Sturridge

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard will start as a central midfield partnership, meaning there is no place for Jack Wilshere or Michael Carrick.

Wayne Rooney will partner Liverpool's in-form Daniel Sturridge up front. James Milner is out with a slight calf strain, while Tom Cleverley is out of both crucial qualifiers.

An FA statement read: 'Tom Cleverley has been ruled out for England's two World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland.

'Cleverley complained of a sore calf after training on Thursday afternoon and had a scan later that day.

Dropped: There's no place for Jack Wilshere (right, training this week) in the England side

Missing in action: Tom Cleverley has been ruled out of both England's World Cup qualifiers

'Following the results the England medical team confirmed he would miss the upcoming two matches and he has returned to his club for further treatment.'

The United midfielder has been one of the most used players under Hodgson, starting every game he was available for under the 66-year-old last season.

England can guarantee themselves a place at the finals in Brazil next summer by beating Montenegro and then Poland on Tuesday.



Earning his Spurs: Townsend has been in sterling form for Tottenham this season

Punished: Townsend voluntarily withdrew from the England Under 21 squad before the European Championship in May over a breach of betting regulations

THE LOAN STAR

Townsend is only 22 but has already been on loan at nine clubs. Clubs: Tottenham 2009-

Yeovil (loan) 2009

Leyton Orient (loan) 2009

MK Dons (loan) 2010

Ipswich (loan) 2010

Watford (loan) 2011

Millwall (loan) 2011

Leeds (loan) 2012

Birmingham (loan) 2012

QPR (loan) 2013

Townsend, 22, withdrew voluntarily from the England Under 21 squad for the European Championship at the end of May after breaching betting regulations.

He was also fined £18,000 by the Football Association and suspended for four months backdated to 23 May - though three of those were suspended until July 1, 2016.



He has scored one goal this season and it was a cracker in the 5-0 victory against Dinamo Tbilisi in a Europa League qualifier.

