Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand have been called up to England’s senior squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

With Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs pulling out after picking up a thigh injury against West Ham at Upton Park over the weekend, the Chelsea utility man has been added to the squad by manager Roy Hodgson as cover for club team-mate Ashley Cole and Everton’s Leighton Baines.

Shelvey wins his first call-up after being promoted from Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 side, after originally being drafted in to train with the squad off the back of Frank Lampard picking up a knee injury during Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Norwich at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old has quickly made himself a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans at Anfield so far this season with a series of mature displays at the heart of midfield.

He will miss  the U-21’s game against Serbia at Carrow Road on Friday, but is expected to rejoin the squad for the return fixture against the Eastern European side the following Tuesday.

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is set to train with the England squad this week following a knee injury to Frank Lampard that could see the Chelsea man miss Friday’s World Cup qualifier with San Marino.

Shelvey, 20, is a regular in the national side’s Under-21 side. However, he has been banned for their European Championship play-off first-leg clash against Serbia on Friday.

Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson has decided that – in the absence of the Chelsea star – Shelvey will train with the senior side instead, but he will return to the youth set-up before their second-leg clash in Serbia.

The former Charlton man has been a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ new-look Liverpool side this season, and has already contributed three goals in all competitions for the Reds.

He will be hoping to continue his form in the coming weeks at Anfield, and should return to action for his side in their next Premier League fixture at home to Reading on 20 October after completing a three-match ban after being red carded against Manchester United.

Joe Cole has admitted that the Liverpool team were frustrated with their 0-0 draw at Anfield against Stoke, but says they will work hard to improve over the international break.

The English midfielder made a 20-minute cameo in his first appearance back after a aggravating a hamstring problem, and admitted that it was a game Liverpool should have won.

“There was a bit of frustration in the dressing room after the Stoke game,” Cole told the club’s official website.

“We felt we should have won the game with the chances we had. The defence was great today, the build-up play was fantastic and the lads competed really well. I think the team has grown.

“There’s a lot to work on but we have got to take the positives out of today; we didn’t get beaten and we kept a clean sheet. Now we just need to kick on.

“The only criticism of us that I would have was that we didn’t stick the ball in the back of the net. We have two weeks now to work on it and we’re looking forward.”

Liverpool have made their worst start to a league season in over 100 years, having won only once in seven games, and manager Brendan Rodgers has faced criticism.

But Cole thinks that it is just a matter of time before they get back to winning ways and backed the fans to support the team.

“The fans have been great,” he added. “They are patient and very intelligent, they have seen some great football here over the years and they know what is needed. They know what the club is renowned for and that is sticking together through everything.

“Hopefully we can get three points at home to Reading and then we can go to Goodison [Park] and get a result [against rivals Everton].”

Liverpool’s profligacy has been a concern in recent weeks, but now Cole is back from injury he will be hoping to help fire the Reds up the league table.

“It was brilliant to get back,” he stated. “You’re always nervous with hamstring injuries in terms of the first time you come back in. But I felt good and I have two weeks now to work hard and get back up to a high level of fitness.”