Martinez: Lennon deserves England call-up

Daniel Storey

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has no doubt England could still benefit from the services of Aaron Lennon.

The 28-year-old Toffees winger has been in fine form of late and Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win at Stoke saw him score for the third game in a row in all competitions.

He has 21 England caps, but has not made an international appearance since February 2013.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson was watching Saturday’s match from the stands, and when asked afterwards if he thought Lennon had any chance of making England’s Euro 2016 squad, Martinez said: “Obviously it is not down to me.

“But I get the opportunity to work with Aaron day in, day out, and he is such an important player.

“We all know the quality he brings – the pace, the one v one ability, the work-rate, the understanding – and that experience he has is invaluable.

“There are other players in that position, but I think he is showing he can be of incredible value to any squad, and clearly for his national team, he could be a real help.”