Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba is playing his way into England's World Cup squad.

The Mirror says Muamba is on the brink of a full England call-up - after impressing Fabio Capello in the under-21 finals.

Midfield dynamo Muamba was on the 'long list' for tonight's game in Holland and could have had his first senior squad place if there had been any withdrawals.

Ironically former Arsenal kid Muamba has had to pull out of the under-21 match himself, but the recognition is a major plus for him at the start of the season.

Muamba has been a regular with the under-21s but his displays in the 'sitter' role in Sweden have shot him up the rankings at the FA HQ.