Burnley midfielder Jack Cork says he is “really happy” and feels “lucky” to have been called up to England’s squad for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil.

Cork was not originally part of Gareth Southgate’s plans but a host of withdrawals – particularly in the midfield department – forced the manager to select reinforcements.

Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Tottenham Hotspur trio Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks have all pulled out due to injury.

That has left limited options in midfield and Cork, who has represented the national team from Under-16 to Under-21 level, could feature against either Germany or Brazil.

The Carshalton-born ace has played every Premier League minute for the Clarets this season to help lift the club up to seventh position.

The 28-year-old now has the chance to impress Southgate, with the 2018 World Cup in Russia looming, but the former Swansea City and Southampton star is just pleased to be involved in the upcoming friendlies.

“I’m really, really happy,” Cork said. “We’ve had a good start to the season and you’re probably not going to get many better opportunities to be in the England squad because we are doing so well.

“Four or five of the lads in the Burnley squad probably could have got in at the same time as me so I feel lucky that I’ve been given the chance.”

England take on Germany on Friday in the first of two friendlies and the Three Lions are 3.40 outsiders to get the win. The draw is priced at 3.25 while the world champions are 2.10 favourites.