Pearce drafts in Huddlestone

Spurs ace replaces Noble in Under 21 squad

Last updated: 13th May 2008

Tom Huddlestone Tottenham

Huddlestone: Included in Under 21s squad

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Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone has been drafted into the England Under 21 squad for the friendly against Wales on Thursday after Mark Noble pulled out.

Noble, the West Ham midfielder, was withdrawn after picking up a knock and Huddlestone is a like-for-like replacement, giving him another chance to impress after being called into Fabio Capello's senior squad.

Huddlestone admits he was surprised to win a call-up to the senior squad, but the creative midfielder is not getting carried away.

"I wasn't sure whether one of the lads were winding me up when I first heard the news, but although it is quite a big squad, it's an achievement that I'm pleased about," Huddlestone told Tottenham's official website.

"My mum and the rest of my family and friends are very pleased for me, but I

haven't achieved anything yet and I'm just hoping to get on the pitch.

"My first recollections of football are probably from England's Euro 96

campaign, and hopefully I get the chance to play in a tournament like that one

day.

"On paper, going from the Under 21 set-up to the senior squad is a natural

progression, but the main thing is doing well at club level in the Premier

League every week."

Capello has also selected Joe Hart, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Theo Walcott and David Wheater for the senior friendlies against USA and Trinidad and Tobago but all of them could feature for the Under 21s at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Fraizer Campbell did not join up with Stuart Pearce's squad as he is preparing for Hull's Championship play-off against Watford, while Tom Heaton is on Champions League duty with Manchester United.

Along with Noble, Danny Fox and Matt Connolly have pulled out through injury, meaning Pearce will have 19 players to choose from in his squad.

England's youngsters have virtually assured themselves a play-off to reach the European Championships next summer in Sweden after Pearce led them the semi-finals a year ago.

Pearce's side have remained unbeaten since, although he has rested senior players such as Steven Taylor and James Milner for this friendly.