England U21 boss Stuart Pearce has challenged Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon to show Fabio Capello what he can do.

Lennon has not played for the under-21s since he was taken to the World Cup by Sven-Goran Eriksson two years ago before becoming a regular under Steve McClaren and has only two caps at under-21 level. The 20-year-old is understood to have been disappointed at being overlooked by Capello, particularly as David Beckham was also left out, but Pearce urged him not to be too downcast.

"We need to see him play," the England Under-21 head coach said. "I know Fabio is very interested in seeing him play. If players are at an age to play for the under-21s, they'll gain more experience playing than being in the seniors and not playing. He's only got two under-21 caps and he hasn't been a regular for the seniors."