FORMER Sydenhams Wessex League striker Charlie Austin has received his first call-up to the England senior squad for next month’s clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

The 25-year-old ex-Poole Town hitman, who has netted 17 goals in 35 appearances for QPR this season, could make his Three Lions bow in a friendly against the Republic at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, June 7.

Roy Hodgson’s troops are due to travel to Slovenia for a Euro 2016 qualifier seven days later.

Still a huge favourite at Tatnam, Austin hit 64 goals in 57 appearances for the Dolphins in 2008 and 2009 before prolific spells at Swindon and Burnley earned him a move to QPR.

The frontman has been linked with a switch away from Loftus Road this summer, with QPR’s relegation from the Premier League already confirmed.

He is one of three new names in the England squad with the others being Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and Burnley stopper Tom Heaton.

Five years ago, 16 friends of Austin clubbed together to place a £155 bet on the hitman to score an England goal within 10 years.

The syndicate made the bet at odds of 50-1 with Dorset bookmakers Jem Racing. Fifteen people put down £10 each and the other person bet £5.

If Austin nets for the national side, Jem Racing would have to pay out £7,750 in total to the syndicate.