Jamie Vardy: England boss says striker is 'strong Euros contender'

Jamie Vardy made his England debut against San Marino in September

England boss Roy Hodgson has said it will be difficult to leave Jamie Vardy out of his squad for Euro 2016 if the Leicester striker continues his form.

Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy's 12-year record this season by scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League matches.

The 28-year-old has 14 goals for the Foxes this term and has played three times for England.

Hodgson said Vardy's goalscoring record would make him a "very strong contender" to go to the tournament.

"He won't score in every game between now and when I select a team for the Euros," said the England manager.

"But what he can do is continue to be Jamie Vardy, playing in the way Jamie Vardy does."

Vardy, the Premier League's top scorer, has helped take Leicester to the top of the table, less than four years after he was playing non-league football with Fleetwood.

"It has been a remarkable rise and a remarkable success story and we can only hope he can keep his form up," said Hodgson.

England, along with the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales, will find out on Saturday who will be in their group for the Euros in France when the draw is made in Paris.

"I will take what comes," said Hodgson. "I respect all the teams.

"I respect Wales and the Ireland teams. There is a good chance we will get one of those because three of them are in the same pot together."