Bothroyd named in much-changed England squad

Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd has been named in the England squad for Wednesday’s friendly against France.

Bothroyd has been in explosive form for the Bluebirds this season netting 13 times in his side’s first 17 league games as they have stormed to the top of the Championship.

He becomes the first player from below the Premier League to be called into the international fold since David Nugent since 2007.

England manager Fabio Capello has made a total of nine changes to his squad which also includes first call-ups for Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.

Manchester City defender Micah Richards receives a first call-up under the Italian while Gabriel Agbonlahor returns to the squad after an absence.

There is no return for Bolton captain Kevin Davies who has scored four Premier League goals, including two in front of Capello in his side's 4-2 win against Tottenham last weekend.

Carlton Cole was a late inclusion in the squad following the withdrawal of Newcastle striker Andy Carroll with a groin injury.

England squad for the international friendly against France at Wembley on Wednesday, November 17:

Foster (Birmingham), Hart (Man City), Green (West Ham); Gibbs (Arsenal), Cole (Chelsea), Terry (Chelsea), Jagielka (Everton), Lescott (Man City), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Smalling (Man Utd); Walcott (Arsenal), Wilshere (Arsenal), Young (Aston Villa), Gerrard (Liverpool), Barry (Man City), Johnson (Man City), Milner (Man City), Henderson (Sunderland); Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Bothroyd (Cardiff), Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Tottenham)