Jamie Vardy has had a season that he will never want to forget.
After helping Leicester perform a wondrous escape from relegation back to the Championship he received the news that he had been called up to the England squad for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old got that many calls and texts after the news broke that his phone died within the hour. It really is quite a remarkable story though. Five years ago he wasn’t even a footballer and he only started playing non-league two years after that. Wow. And now it seems England manager Roy Hodgson has seen enough in him to give him his first cap for the Three Lions.
The Englishman is one of three uncapped players in the boss' 24-man-squad for the two England games in June. Hodgson was seen at the King Power Stadium a number of times over the last few months but the striker never believed he was there to watch him play. Vardy was playing non-league at Fleetwood Town less than four years ago and has now rightfully earned his place in the Premier League and his international call-up. Some fans do not believe he has shown enough talent in front of goal to be called up alongside Wayne Rooney but his passion and determination should win over a few. Despite only becoming a professional in recent years he has still netted 152 goals in that short space of time and his game and attitude has come on leaps and bounds. Vardy has admitted that he had a bit of a chip on his shoulder when he came back to football, but slowly his love for the game and guidance from managers has improved him both on and off the pitch.
Leicester City’s season went from the chaos to ecstasy as they rose from almost certain relegation to 14th. At Christmas, no one believed they would be able to stay in the League but they proved everybody wrong. The striker has demonstrated his ability, playing his part by scoring in vital games such as against fellow strugglers Burnley who have since been relegated. He scored five goals for the club in all competitions as well as picking up eight assists. Some are doubting whether he has shown enough to go and play against the world’s best, but Hodgson has seen something in him and wants to try him in England’s upcoming friendly against the Republic of Ireland and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia.
Vardy's club manager, Nigel Pearson believes that he thoroughly deserves his national call-up, "It's very easy to judge people- it's quite an amazing turn around. When you look at his career it's a good story. In my era, somebody out together an England team where their roots were from non-league football, it doesn't happen much these days. It's proof that stories can still happen.
Hodgson loves footballers who play with pride and after the struggles he has been through, it is something that Vardy does well. He never takes for granted his position and seeing someone so passionate about playing for his national country is a breath of fresh air.
Well done Vardy!
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