Jamie Vardy's former teammate Martyn Waghorn has backed the Leicester City striker to play a starring role for England at next summer's European Championships in France.

Vardy has scored 14 goals in 14 Premier League matches this season, four more than any other player in the league, and broke Ruud van Nistelrooy's record by netting in 11 consecutive top-flight games before his scoring run came to an end against Swansea City.

Waghorn, who played with the 28-year-old at the Foxes after Vardy's £1m move from Fleetwood Town in 2012, is sure that his former strike partner boasts the skill set and the attitude to succeed at the highest level.

"He was pure graft," Waghorn told the Daily Mail. "The first season, he was a bit raw but full of endeavour and work rate, always willing to learn, staying behind to do extra. You could tell that he had had to work hard to come through the leagues.

"When we as teammates saw what he brought to the side, we certainly had no doubts. It took him a year to adapt but, once he did, he was a big character in our dressing room. The way he has developed his game since then has been amazing. His finishing has come on so much. His overall team play and link-up play is terrific. He just looks so at home as a top-class striker.

"I don't see why he can't be a first pick [for England]. He and [Harry] Kane are the best two strikers in the league at the minute. There are bigger names with more caps and experience — Sturridge, Rooney, Welbeck — but those two are young, hungry and want to work hard for their country."

Vardy has won four England caps to date since his debut against Republic of Ireland in June.