Exclusive – In-form Jamie Vardy can play his way into England’s Euro 2016 starting line-up, claims ex-Leicester striker

Red hot Leicester striker Jamie Vardy can force his way into England manager’s Roy Hodgson’s first-team plans for next summer’s European Championships, according to ex-frontman Kevin Phillips.

Vardy has emerged as this season’s breakout star after netting ten goals in the Foxes’ opening ten Premier League games.

The former Fleetwood striker revealed glimpses of his class last term - having starred in the Foxes’ stunning 5-3 win over Manchester United – but the 28-year-old has taken the top flight by storm this year, and now stands top of the goalscoring charts.

Vardy’s rapid rise of form earned him his first England call-up earlier this year, and, after claiming four caps since his debut against Republic of Ireland in June, former Leicester hitman Phillips believes he can become a key member of the Three Lions side.

“He’s a top guy, he always wants to learn and improve,” Phillips, now assistant coach at Derby County, told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“He’s got something unique for a striker, which is pace, but what he’s adding to it now is goals.

“I’ve said in the past that he needs to improve his finishing, and his finishing has been incredible this season.

“He’s showing more composure in front of goal, he isn’t rushing things, he’s taking his time and he’s placing the ball in the back of the net.

“So he’s already proven me wrong, he’s proved other people wrong and he’s sitting on ten goals now.

“If he continues this form I have no doubt he’ll be on the plane in the summer, and pushing for a start as well.”