Vardy will miss England pre-Euro 2016 friendly to get married
Jamie Vardy will miss England's last friendly before Roy Hodgson finalizes his Euro 2016 squad as the Leicester striker is getting married.
The 29-year-old followed up a remarkable campaign by scoring in a third successive match for his country against Turkey in Manchester on Sunday.
Harry Kane's early opener was quickly canceled out by Hakan Calhanoglu at the Etihad Stadium, where Fatih Terim's men threatened to secure a first win against England.
However, a second-half change in system saw Vardy move from a wider position to form a two-pronged strike force with Kane - a move that quickly paid dividends as his pace and directness earned a penalty.
Tottenham striker Kane missed the spot-kick but his Leicester counterpart saved is blushes by firing home from close range, wrapping up a 2-1 win that Hodgson says will be Vardy's last England display before the 23-man squad for the European Championship is named.
"Vardy won't be involved on Friday because he is getting married on Wednesday," Hodgson said, referring to the friendly against Australia at the Stadium of Light.
"That, you could say, is unfortunate but you must bear in mind last year his wedding was planned during the month of June and I called him up for the international matches and he canceled his wedding.
"I think he deserves that possibility to get married here."
Hodgson is unsure why the wedding was planned for Wednesday, but suggests that Vardy had, quite understandably, not expected to be called into England duty so soon after the season ended.
The England boss also highlighted the fact that the 29-year-old is not desperately needed for the Australia match, considering his recent displays and the fact his squad is boosted by a clutch of players.
"I don't think his place in the team or the squad at the moment is under enormous threat and we do have other players to see that we need to look at," Hodgson said.
"In some ways, as a second preparation game, it hasn't caused any particular problems."
Vardy, though, appears keen to return before for the Australia match in order to press home his already impressive Euro 2016 credentials.
"I get married on Wednesday," the striker said after the match. "The boss has given me Wednesday off to get married but I'll be back in training after that."
Vardy's determination to play will no doubt please Hodgson, even if his presence is not necessarily required.
