Tottenham defender Caulker, Wickham win first England U21 calls

England U21 coach Stuart Pearce has named four newcomers for their friendly against Germany.

Ipswich's Connor Wickham and Tottenham defender Steven Caulker, who is on loan at Bristol City, have been promoted from the under-19s for the first time, joining recalled pair Scott Loach and Kieran Trippier in an 18-man travelling party.

Pearce has been forced to bring in reinforcements after Micah Richards and Chris Smalling were added to Fabio Capello's senior squad, while Fabrice Muamba, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Frank Fielding have all withdrawn due to injury.

Pearce is eyeing the friendly as a golden opportunity to blood a raft of new players ahead of next summer's Euro 2011 tournament.

"One or two of the squad players will get a chance this time and that was always my plan," Pearce explained.

"I'm delighted so many of the Under-21s have gone up to the seniors, and I think it's the right and proper thing to do at this stage.

"We've lost one or two through injury but we've got an opportunity to look at one or two others now.

"Connor Wickham has come to join us, Ben Mee has come into the squad, Scott Sinclair too - it's a great opportunity for them and, for me, it's the first stage of building for next summer.

"All of them will get match time. We've got a squad of 18 and we've got an injury doubt on Kyle Walker and if there is any doubt I won't risk him, but I envisage all of them being on the pitch at some stage."