The 28-year-old Leicester forward, who until as recently as 2010 was playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Northern Premier Division (stick that up your beetroot factory, Lambert), has been called up by Roy Hodgson for next month's games against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.
With striking options depleted by Daniel Sturridge's injury, as well as Danny Ings, Saido Berahino and Harry Kane's involvement with the England U21 squad this summer, QPR striker Charlie Austin also gets his first chance to impress.
The only other new face is Burnley keeper Tom Heaton. He joins Rob Green as back-up for Joe Hart with Fraser Forster and Ben Foster both suffering from long-term injuries.
The squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Rob Green (QPR), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley),
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Ryan Mason (Tottenham), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Charlie Austin (QPR), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester) Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)
Ashley Young may feel a little hard-done-by but otherwise, it'll do.