Chamberlain gets under-21 call-up

Last updated : 03 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Southampton youngster Alex Chamberlain has been given his maiden call-up to the England Under-21 squad for next Tuesday's friendly with Italy.The 17-year-old winger is considered one of the hottest prospects in English football and is one of three new faces.

Chamberlain is joined in the squad by Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez and Middlesbrough defender Joe Bennett in a 23-man party for the game in Empoli.

As expected, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is not picked for the match.

England manager Fabio Capello has indicated Wilshere will start the full international with Denmark the following evening.

Good news for Alex

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But Sunderland's Jordan Henderson returns to the under-21s following a disappointing senior debut against France in November, while full-backs Kieran Gibbs and Micah Richards and goalkeeper Scott Loach also drop back down.

Daniel Sturridge, who joined Bolton on loan from Chelsea on Monday, is handed a recall as is West Ham's James Tomkins - his first inclusion for more than a year - and Aston Villa's Fabian Delph.

But Sturridge's Stamford Bridge team-mate Josh McEachran, who earned his maiden call-up for November's friendly with Germany, is omitted.

As well as Wilshere, England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce will be without the injured Danny Welbeck, Danny Rose, Michael Mancienne, Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones.

"We're missing a number of players through injury, but it will give me a chance to look at a few new players," said Pearce.

"Rodriguez has been playing well for Burnley and deserves an opportunity with the under-21s.

"Likewise, Joe Bennett at Middlesbrough has previously played for the under-19s and his performances for Tony Mowbray have been impressive.

"I also saw Southampton play Manchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday and Alex Chamberlain is showing a lot of promise so we thought we'd bring him into the squad, too."

Next week's game, England's first in 2011, continues the build-up to this summer's under-21 Championships in Denmark, with further friendlies set to follow.

England Under-21 squad: Fielding (Blackburn), Loach (Watford), Steele (Middlesbrough); Bennett (Middlesbrough), Gibbs (Arsenal), Kelly (Liverpool), Mee, Richards (both Manchester City), Smalling (Manchester United), Tomkins (West Ham), Walker (Tottenham); Albrighton (Aston Villa), Cork (Chelsea), Delph (Aston Villa), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Southampton), Henderson (Sunderland), Lansbury (Arsenal), Muamba (Bolton), Rodwell (Everton), Sinclair (Swansea); Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Rodriguez (Burnley), Sturridge (Chelsea).

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport