Pearce overlooks Wilshere

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Arsenal teenager Jack Wilshere has not been included in the England Under 21 squad to face Holland in Groningen next Tuesday.

Under 21 boss Stuart Pearce chose not to call up the 17-year-old, who impressed in the recent pre-season Emirates Cup.

Fabian Delph, who has signed for Aston Villa from Leeds, has been included for the friendly and new Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has received his first call-up at Under 21 level.

From the squad that reached the final of the European Championship in Sweden this summer, nine players are still eligible for the next campaign.

High-profile youngsters include Kieran Gibbs, Michael Mancienne, Micah Richards, Lee Cattermole, Fabrice Muamba and Jack Rodwell.

Fantastic

Chris Smalling, Andy Carroll, Freddie Sears and Junior Stanislas will also be involved for the first time.

"It's very early in the calendar but this is a fantastic double-header for the Under 21s and then the seniors," Pearce said.

"We're taking a few players that have had the experience of a summer tournament, that will stand us in good stead, but we have one or two new faces coming into the squad that will have to get their feet under the table very quickly.

"We've not taken an easy game and there is a reasoning behind that. Our last few games will then have included Holland, Germany, Sweden, Spain and France prior to that over the months - so we have played all the blue chip European countries."

England Under 21 squad to face Holland in a friendly next week in Groningen:

Frankie Fielding (Blackburn), Scott Loach (Watford); Ryan Bertrand (Reading), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Kyle Naughton (Tottenham), Micah Richards (Man City), James Tomkins (West Ham), Chris Smalling (Fulham); Lee Cattermole (Wigan), Fabien Delph (Aston Villa), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham); Andy Carroll (Newcastle), Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace), Junior Stanislas (West Ham), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), James Vaughan (Everton).