West Brom forward Saido Berahino said yesterday that he hopes he can repay England for giving him a "second chance in life" by helping fire Roy Hodgson's side to Euro 2016 glory.

The 21-year-old has scored seven goals in 10 Premier League matches for the Baggies this season and has now been rewarded with a first senior call-up for the forthcoming games against Slovenia and Scotland.

Berahino has quite a back story, having fled the family's war-torn homeland of Burundi to join his brother, sisters and mother in England, where he was granted political asylum.

The family settled in the Newtown area of Birmingham before his promise was given a platform in West Brom's academy.

Berahino was part of the successful England side at the 2010 Under-17s European Championship but cannot wait to make the most of his opportunity with the seniors, who are at Wembley next weekend for their Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia before heading to Scotland for a friendly.

"This country gave me a second chance in life. I came to this country and it has provided me and my family with a safe place, and a better place to live in.

"It has given me a chance to perform what I want to achieve in life," Berahino said.

"I will be very proud and honoured to represent England.

"I remember coming home and seeing I had got my first-ever call up for England as a schoolboy - I was excited then and I am excited now."

England manager Hodgson admitted Berahino had been in his thoughts ahead of last month's Euro 2016 qualifying double-header against Estonia and San Marino.

Now the boss believes the timing is right for Berahino.

"It is everything he has done since the start of the season, for West Brom and also for our under-21 team. He has been a key figure," Hodgson said.

Michael Carrick and Stewart Downing were the other surprise inclusions in Hodgson's 26-man squad.

Manchester United midfielder Carrick was left out of the World Cup squad and has only just returned from an ankle injury he suffered in the summer.

Downing, whose last cap came in May 2012, has earned a recall after impressing for West Ham this term.

Captain Wayne Rooney is likely to earn his 100th cap against Slovenia at Wembley.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is recalled after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for 10 months and Everton's Ross Barkley is back after missing the last two get-togethers with a knee injury.

Hodgson opted to omit Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who is suffering from a calf problem.

Reds full-back Glen Johnson has been left out even though he returned to action last month following a thigh injury.

"I have Nathaniel Clyne at the moment and Calum Chambers. Calum did well I thought in the last couple of games and also Nathaniel Clyne," said Hodgson.

"Glen Johnson is in the situation with Liverpool where he sometimes plays and sometimes doesn't, so I prefer this time certainly to stick with the two younger guys."