England coach Roy Hodgson says Jake Livermore deserves his call-up.

The midfielder was a big shock from this weekend's England squad announcement for the friendly against Italy.

"Jake did well at Tottenham last year," said Hodgson.

"I had a long chat with Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood about him. They are impressed so it was a good chance to have a look for myself.

"A couple of players dropped out so Jake has been promoted up from the reserve list."