England U21 v Czech Rep U21 preview

Pearce's young charges look to make their mark at Bramall Lane

Last updated: 18th November 2008

England U21 v Czech Rep U21 preview

Pearce: Prep for Sweden

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England Under 21s lock horns with their Czech Republic counterparts at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.

The two nations meet in a friendly match as England head coach Stuart Pearce begins his preparations for the 2009 European Championship Finals.

The Three Lions secured their place at the tournament in Sweden after they overcame Wales 5-4 on aggregate in a play-off tie last month.

Kyle Naughton and Fabian Delph received their first call-ups to Under 21 level and will be eager to be handed a chance to shine.

New faces

Everton striker James Vaughan has replaced Matt Derbyshire after the Blackburn Rovers player withdrew with a groin injury.

Vaughan, 20, is joined in the squad by Frank Fielding, the Blackburn keeper who is on loan at Northampton.

Fielding played for his club in the FA Cup on Monday night, while Leeds United midfielder Fabian Delph remained on the bench, but both will join up with the squad on Tuesday morning ahead of the match in Sheffield.

Pearce said on the Football Association's official website: "We have some new faces in Tuesday night's squad who haven't been with us before. Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton has deserved a call-up, while Fabian Delph has been performing well for Leeds United.

Powerful

"On top of that we have players like Jack Cork, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Adam Lallana who are new in the squad this season.

"So there are opportunities for players to show me what they can do at international level and it's interesting for me to be able to have a look at them.

He added: "Czech Republic are just the type of team we want to be playing over the next few months. They are a very good side and only just missed out on a place in the play-offs.

"They'll be a strong and physically imposing team, well organised and will want to upset us here. So I'm under no illusion that this will be an easy game."