Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has been called into the England squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

The 22-year-old has endured an injury-plagued debut campaign with City, but returned for the last month of the season and scored both goals in the Blues 3-2 defeat by Norwich yesterday.

Rodwell has two caps, both in friendlies, although he has not played for his country since November 2011.

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Although there is no official withdrawal from Hodgson's squad as yet, it is understood Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is not expected to play any part in either fixture.

Cleverley was substituted during yesterday's 5-5 draw at West Brom, although as Sir Alex Ferguson did not speak with the media afterwards, it was not apparant what the problem was.

It brings to six the number of players in Hodgson's squad who have flown out today for the two post-season games between Manchester City and Chelsea.

Those involved will be forced to head straight to Burton on Sunday evening as the last game is played in New York on Saturday night.

Rodwell will not mind that, though. Touted as an England regular of the future even before he made his debut against world and European champions Spain 18 months ago, the midfielder's progress has been badly hampered by injuries.

The 22-year-old has been restricted to just 11 Premier League appearances for City, and yesterday represented only his sixth start.

With Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard both missing through injury, Rodwell joins Frank Lampard, Cleverley, Michael Carrick and club-mate James Milner as the orthodox central midfielders in Hodgson's squad.

PA

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