Peter Taylor has named three new faces in his England U21 squad for their forthcoming UEFA European U21 Championship Group 6 qualifying games against Germany and Azerbaijan.
As the build-up to the clash with Germany at the KC Stadium on Friday 25th March (Kick-off 7.30pm) continues, Taylor has opted to include Aston Villa front man Luke Moore, Fulham defender Liam Rosenior and Manchester United keeper Luke Steele, currently on loan at Coventry, in a 23-man squad.
Both fixtures are important for Taylor's team and he told www.thefa.com: "We've had only one home game out of the four played so far, so to have ten points at this stage is very good.
"Four more over these two matches will be fine. Germany will be a good test for us; they have some very talented players and work well together as a team.
"They currently sit at the top of the table and, like us, remain unbeaten in the qualifiers.
"We also know a little bit more about Azerbaijan than we did before October's qualifier out there.
"We can expect a tricky game, they have some talented players and the majority of their midfield players were very skilful."
Taylor's own squad is looking very strong itself though and he's happy to give his three new faces a chance to be involved.
"Luke (Moore) is a very exciting, pacey striker who has his chance due to an injury to Carlton Cole," the England U21 boss added.
"I saw Liam (Rosenior) play when he was with Bristol City and he impressed me greatly.
"Since joining Fulham he has held down a regular first-team place and has done very well.
"He is an attacking full-back with lots of potential.
"Andrew Lonergan's injury means that this is a good opportunity to take a look at Luke (Steele).
"He is a very promising keeper who is very highly-rated and is doing very well at Coventry this season."
Tickets for England's game v Germany are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for concessions, and can be purchased from the KC Stadium Ticket Office, or by.
FULL ENGLAND U21 SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS Lee Camp, Derby County
Scott Carson, Liverpool
Luke Steele, Coventry City (loan)
DEFENDERS
Leighton Baines, Wigan Athletic
Calum Davenport, Southampton (loan)
Nicky Hunt, Bolton Wanderers
Glen Johnson, Chelsea
Liam Ridgewell, Aston Villa
Liam Rosenior, Fulham
Steven Taylor, Newcastle United
Peter Whittingham, Burnley (loan)
MIDFIELDERS Darren Ambrose, Newcastle United
Tom Huddlestone, Derby County
Dean Marney, Tottenham Hotspur
James Milner, Newcastle United
Gary O'Neil, Portsmouth
Kieran Richardson, West Bromwich Albion (loan)
Wayne Routledge, Crystal Palace
John Welsh, Liverpool
FORWARDS
Dean Ashton, Norwich City
Darren Bent, Ipswich Town
Luke Moore, Aston Villa
Jonathan Stead, Blackburn Rovers
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