Coach Howard Wilkinson has suffered a torrid time with injuries, with Aston Villa duo Gareth Barry and Darius Vassell plus Everton's Michael Ball forced to withdraw.
The likes of Pennant`s Gunners team-mate Ashley Cole and West Ham duo Joe Cole and Michael Carrick have been included in the senior squad by Sven Goran Eriksson.
This has limited Wilkinson`s options, and he has drafted in Pennant.
Speaking about the enforced changes, Wilkinson said: "It is hardly an ideal preparation but then I've been here before in this situation.
"At least we have the opportunity to look at other players whom we have identified as being the cream of English football in their age group.
"It's a chance for them to make an impression at Under-21 level and show to us they do possess the qualities of international footballers."