• England

Berahino in line for England call-up

ESPN staff
November 3, 2013
Saido Berahino has scored four goals for Gareth Southgate's England Under-21s © Getty Images
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Roy Hodgson is set to hand Saido Berahino his first England cap in the next round of friendlies, and could even include him as a surprise pick in his World Cup squad.

Berahino, 20, scored against Crystal Palace on Saturday for his sixth goal in nine games. It was his tenth overall for club and country this season, with four goals for the England Under-21s.

West Brom boss Steve Clarke is trying to tie Berahino to a new deal. Berahino earns just £850 a week and has less than a year to run on his current contract.

Hodgson knows Berahino from his time as West Brom manager before he took the England job, and is ready to include Berahino in the friendlies against Chile and Germany this month.

Berahino moved to England with his mother from war-torn Burundi when he was 10 years old. He has played for England youth sides from Under-16 to Under-21 level, where he has netted four times in three matches since Gareth Southgate gave him his first call-up in September.

With qualification for the World Cup secured, Hodgson wants to give more opportunities to young players in the build-up to the tournament in Brazil next summer, with the chance they could break into his squad.

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