23.03.2015 19:49 h

Spurs star Mason gets first England call-up

Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has been called up to the England squad for the first time as a replacement for injured Liverpool playmaker Adam Lallana, the Football Association announced on Monday.

With Lallana forced to withdraw from international duty after suffering a groin injury against Manchester United on Sunday, Mason was added to Roy Hodgson's squad for Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley and next week's friendly in Italy.

The 23-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season in central midfield for Tottenham, will also provide cover for Aston Villa midfielder Delph, who is suffering from a stomach bug

Lallana was substituted at half-time during Sunday's game at Anfield and did not meet with the rest of his international team-mates at St George's Park on Monday.

Reports had suggested his Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge was struggling with a hip injury, but he joined the squad in Burton and there was no mention of the striker in the statement the FA issued on Monday.

"Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ryan Mason has been drafted into Roy Hodgson's England squad," the statement read.

"The inclusion of the 23-year-old follows the withdrawal of Liverpool's Adam Lallana through injury.

"Mason, a regular for Spurs this season, has previously represented the Three Lions at U19 and U20 level.

"Lallana wasn't the only absentee as the senior squad gathered at St. George's Park on Monday afternoon in preparation for the forthcoming fixtures against Lithuania and Italy.

"Aston Villa's Fabian Delph remained at home with a sickness bug but is expected to link up with the team later this week."