LONDON – Jamie Vardy is to skip England’s final friendly before manager Roy Hodgson puts the finishing touches to his Euro 2016 squad in order to get married.
The 29-year-old striker, who enjoyed a remarkable campaign for Leicester, inspiring their run to the Premier League title, was on the mark for his country for the third straight time in Sunday’s 2-1 friendly win over Turkey.
Harry Kane’s opener was quickly cancelled out by Hakan Calhanoglu at the Etihad Stadium, where Fatih Terim’s men threatened to secure a first win against England.
However, a second-half change in system saw Vardy move from a wider position to form a two-pronged strike force with Kane – a move that quickly paid dividends as his pace and directness earned a penalty.
Hodgson later said that the Turkey game would be Vardy’s last England display before the 23-man squad for the European Championship is named.
“Vardy won’t be involved on Friday because he is getting married on Wednesday,” Hodgson said, referring to the friendly against Australia at the Stadium of Light.
“That, you could say, is unfortunate but you must bear in mind last year his wedding was planned during the month of June and I called him up for the international matches and he cancelled his wedding.
“I think he deserves that possibility to get married here.” The England boss also highlighted the fact that Vardy is not desperately needed for the Australia match, considering his recent displays and the fact his squad is boosted by a clutch of players.
“I don’t think his place in the team or the squad at the moment is under enormous threat and we do have other players to see that we need to look at,” Hodgson said.
“In some ways, as a second preparation game, it hasn’t caused any particular problems.” Vardy, though, appears keen to return before for the Australia match in order to press home his already impressive Euro 2016 credentials.
“I get married on Wednesday,” the striker said after the match. “The boss has given me Wednesday off to get married but I’ll be back in training after that.”
Reuters, AFP, TNP
