Gary Hooper left out of England squad

Published on 05/02/2013 10:28

CELTIC striker Gary Hooper has been left out of Roy Hodgson’s England squad to face Brazil tomorrow at Wembley.

The forward, who was the subject of four failed bids from Norwich during last month’s transfer window, had been overlooked for the initial squad, but had hoped to earn a call-up after Jermain Defoe and Daniel Sturridge both pulled out with injuries.

Despite Hodgson being left with just two recognised strikers, Manchester United pair Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney, the former Liverpool manager looks set to turn to Arsenal’s Theo Walcott to play a more central attacking role.

Hooper, who has notched 23 goals for Celtic this season, was called up to the England squad for November’s friendly match against Sweden, but was forced to pull out through injury.

Fraser Forster also misses out as he is recovering from injury, but should be fit to face Inverness this weekend.