Danny Murphy 'understands' Roy Hodgson's Mark Noble snub

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 March 2016

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy 'understands' why Roy Hodgson decided against including West Ham United skipper Mark Noble in his latest England squad.

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has said that he 'understands' why West Ham United's Mark Noble has been left out of Roy Hodgson's latest international squad.

Calls for Noble to make the selection had gathered pace in recent weeks due to his impressive form, but Hodgson did not find a place in his squad for the 28-year-old.

Murphy has branded Noble "a quality player", but referenced Jordan Henderson and Dele Alli when considering why Hodgson snubbed the Hammers skipper.

"I like Noble, but I do understand why he's not in there. No one would think it strange if Mark Noble was in the squad, because he is a quality player, but there are only so many midfield places," Murphy told talkSPORT.

"Roy will probably know how he's going to play in that midfield, so he'll choose the players who can fill the roles he has in mind.

"Jordan Henderson can play both attacking and defensive and Dele Alli has the attributes to play anywhere in the midfield – I've seen him do the job on the left for Tottenham at times this season. He's very adaptable."

Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater received his first call-up to the senior squad on Thursday.