Youngsters could get Capello call

But Under-21 boss Pearce, who is part of Capello's backroom staff, remained tight-lipped over who could be in included in the party to face France on March 26, claiming it is "more than my job's worth".

"You never know, there might be one or two names that have been named in Fabio's squad that make you sit up and listen," said Pearce.

The former Manchester City manager opted to rest a host of regulars for next week's Under-21 friendly against Poland at Molineux. Established names like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott, who have all previously featured in senior squads, are among the absentees.

"I'm not suggesting they've been left out totally to be left out but I'm also not suggesting one or two faces might turn up in Fabio's squad, that's down to him," added Pearce. "That's not for me to say. As they say, it's more than my job's worth!"

Manchester City pair Joe Hart and Nedum Onuoha have been retained but Under-21 regulars like Steven Taylor, Tom Huddlestone and Mark Noble were also missing from the 20-man squad, while James Milner is injured.

With his team looking all but certain of qualification for the 2009 European Under-21 Championship play-offs, Pearce revealed it was important for him to take a look at his fringe players.

He said: "I have left one or two lads out that are playing regularly for their clubs who I wouldn't learn a lot about if I played them - the Nobles, the Huddlestones and Steven Taylors - but these boys have the opportunity to stake a claim to the squad and to the team.

"For me, it was an easy decision. I could pick a squad which would feature maybe six or seven players that I have left away from it that have featured for me this season.

"What I want is an exercise where we win the game, that is most important, but also to find out about one or two of these players that have been around this squad for a long time and not played a lot of football."