Everton manager Roberto Martinez praises in-form Aaron Lennon

Roberto Martinez believes Aaron Lennon is playing himself into contention for a spot in Roy Hodgson's England squad at Euro 2016 this summer.

The diminutive winger is starting to find his feet at Everton who he joined from Spurs last summer.

The 28-year-old Leeds-born player has netted four times since the start of the year, including one in each of the last three games.

A rejuvenated Lennon already has 21 England caps to his name but has not represented his country since February 2013.

England coach Roy Hodgson was at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday watching Everton beat Stoke 3-0, with Lennon scoring the final goal.

Asked about Lennon's chances of making England's Euro 2016 squad, manager Martinez said: "Obviously it is not down to me.

"But I get the opportunity to work with Aaron day in, day out, and he is such an important player.

"We all know the quality he brings. The pace, the one v one ability, the work-rate, understanding, and that experience he has is invaluable.

"There are other players in that position but I think he is showing he can be of incredible value to any squad, and clearly for his national team, he could be a real help."

I get the opportunity to work with Aaron day in, day out, and he is such an important player.

Another goal-scorer on Saturday was Romelu Lukaku who converted an early penalty. But Martinez confirmed the Belgian was forced to play through the pain barrier, having injured his back against Newcastle during midweek.

Martinez: "He has had injury problems but he doesn't want to miss games.

"He only managed to train on Friday slightly but the moment he felt he could walk freely he wanted to be available. It shows the incredible, strong personality he has.

"You run out of compliments you can pay to Rom. He lives for the game. He is an old-fashioned footballer, at the age of only 22.

"He just comes in and wants to work on his game constantly. He is a goal-scorer who is obsessed with finishing quality."