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Netherlands call up AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen for first time

AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen received his first call-up from the Netherlands on Friday in a 25-man squad to face France and England in friendlies this month.

Janssen has an Eredivisie-leading 19 goals this season, the same as PSV Eindhoven captain Luuk de Jong, who also was named in the squad.

FC Utrecht defender Timo Letschert was the second new name in coach Danny Blind's squad for the match against France at Amsterdam Arena on March 25, and England four days later at Wembley Stadium.

Blind again overlooked the country's all-time top scorer, Robin van Persie. Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has a thigh injury and was not available for selection.

Janssen's Alkmaar teammate, center back Ron Vlaar, earned his first international call-up since 2014 after recovering from injury and returning to form with AZ.

"I've come from a long way," said Vlaar, who was one of the best defenders at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the Netherlands reached the semifinals. "So I'm really proud to be back with Oranje."

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen, (Ajax), Kenneth Vermeer, (Feyenoord), Jeroen Zoet, (PSV)

Defenders: Daley Blind, (Manchester United), Jeffrey Bruma, (PSV), Virgil van Dijk, (Southampton), Daryl Janmaat, (Newcastle), Timo Letschert, (FC Utrecht), Erik Pieters, (Stoke City), Joel Veltman, (Ajax), Ron Vlaar, (AZ Alkmaar), Jetro Willems, (PSV)

Midfielders: Riechedly Bazoer, (Ajax), Jordy Clasie, (Southampton), Davy Klaassen, (Ajax), Davy Proepper, (PSV), Wesley Sneijder, (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum, (Newcastle)

Forwards: Memphis Depay, (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, (Schalke), Vincent Janssen, (AZ Alkmaar), Luuk de Jong, (PSV), Juergen Locadia, (PSV), Luciano Narsingh, (PSV), Quincy Promes, (Spartak Moscow).