Three Lion’s cubs lose big names

November 11, 2008

England under-21s have had some ‘big names’ left out of the squad, but do not lack quality for the up-coming friendly against the Czech Republic.

The likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Tom Huddlestone and Joe Hart have bee left out of Stuart Pearce’s 20-man squad, and now look likely to be in the frame for a senior call-up.

Other experienced players not included by Pearce are skipper Steven Taylor, Andrew Taylor, David engtod Wheater, James Milner, Mark Noble and Lee Cattermole. Not all of these are likely to be asked to join Capello’s squad, but Pearce seems keen to give new players a try and fringe players a chance to shine.

Of late the lack of quality in English youth has been bemoaned, but with the likes of these youngsters the situation cannot really be a dire as has been suggested.

Eighteen year-old Fabian Delph has had his first call at this level, this after reports of Chelsea, Arsenal and others wanting the Leeds youngster, also there is the likes of Jack Wilshere at Arsenal, Harry Forrester at Aston Villa and Reuben Noble-Lazarus of Barnsley who have all been touted for promising futures.

Ten of the squad have some Premiership experience, and four have helped Wolves to the top of the Championship this season.

With the World Cup two years away, don’t be surprised to see one or more of these lads pushing for a plane ticket to South Africa.

England U-21 vs Czech Republic U 21
November 18th, Bramall Lane

engkids

Squad: Heaton (Cardiff), Lewis (Peterborough), Bertrand (Norwich), Cranie (Charlton), Gardner (Aston Villa), Mancienne (Wolves), Naughton (Sheff Utd), Onuoha (Man City), Richards (Man City), Stearman (Wolves), Cork (Southampton), Delph (Leeds), Johnson (Middlesbrough), Kightly (Wolves), Lennon (Tottenham), Muamba (Bolton), O’Hara (Tottenham), Campbell (Tottenham), Derbyshire (Blackburn), Ebanks-Blake (Wolves), Lallana (Southampton).

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