Caulker in and Defoe out for England.

Roy Hodgson have recalled Steven Caulker into the England squad to face Sweden next Wednesday, but Jermain Defoe has been dropped.

Caulker has impressed many with his quality and composure in his short time of Premiership football and I would not be surprised if he wasn't given some playing time next week to gain experience, but also because England still haven't truly replaced Terry and Ferdinand at the heart of their defence and Caulker looks like he could potentially be better than all of the other central defenders in this squad.

Caulker may currently be behind Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Ryan Shawcross, but I still maintain that he will become an England regular by the end of this season or at least be considered on near equal terms to those selected instead. Cahill and Jagielka are good defenders, but already you don't see them being that much better than either Caulker or Shawcross and for me, Joleon Lescott,, is currently playing like a pub player and on current form, simply doesn't warrant a place for club or country.

Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon have also kept their places in the squad, but whether they did enough in the last game to justify starts next week, Im not so sure. What might be considered a surprise is the omission of Jermain Defoe, as Hodgson has only opted for three strikers in Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge, though no doubt Ashely Young and Theo Walcott could easily step in, though the goal-soring form of Defoe for club and country has been good, so if this a dropping or simply an opportunity to give others a game?

On a non Spurs note, our good friend and suggested England saviour Jack Wilshere has received his expected recall, much to the annoyance of Arsene Wenger, Celtic Hero Fraser Forster is again selected and may well have pushed himself to be considered Joe Harts biggest rival and Everton's Leon Osmad has received his first call up and the ripe old age of 31...

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.