Andros Townsend set to be named in England squad '“ ahead of Jermain Defoe

The Newcastle United winger is widely tipped to be the replacement for the injured Danny Welbeck.

Townsend, signed from Tottenham Hotspur in January for £12million, has shone in relegated Newcastle's seasomn-ending six-game unbeaten run.

The 24-year-old hasn't played for his country since last October, when he came on as a substitute against Lithuania.

Townsend lost his England place after falling out of favour at Tottenham.

And England manager Roy Hodgson, loyal to those who have served him well, has reportedly decided to include him in his 23-man squad for the tournament, which is being staged in France.

Sunderland striker Defoe – whose goals kept the club up – is expected to be on the standby list.

According to The Mirror, Townsend has been chosen ahead of Defoe as Welbeck as seen as a wide player, and not a central striker, by Hodgson.