Fabian Delph & Fraser Forster recalled to England squad

Fabian Delph (centre) scored a brilliant goal against Crystal Palace this month

Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph and Southampton keeper Fraser Forster have been recalled for England's final two World Cup qualifiers in October.

Forster replaces Burnley's injured keeper Tom Heaton, while Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is also injured.

England host Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday, 5 October and then take on Lithuania in Vilnius three days later.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is also included despite England not hearing from Fifa over a potential suspension.

England coach Gareth Southgate said: "We run the risk of being a shambles because he might have to be withdrawn. We hope common sense prevails."

Meanwhile, Southgate said Delph was recalled in order to increase the competition for a place in the midfield.

"He was very important for a period under [former manager] Roy Hodgson and he has had injury issues," said the former Middlesbrough manager.

"He has forced himself back into the Manchester City side and played well. We have a situation in midfield where we need more competition and more alternative. He can provide that."

The England boss also explained that Foxes forward Vardy was left out because he was playing in pain.

He said: "It's not ideal from our point of view. We have a very high level of injuries but we have still got some good quality in that squad."

England squad

Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford; Ryan Bertrand, Aaron Cresswell, Gary Cahill , Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Michael Keane, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier; Eric Dier, Fabian Delph, Jake Livermore, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli; Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Jermain Defoe, Daniel Sturridge.