Chalobah receives first England Under-21 call-up (From Watford Observer)

Chelsea starlet and Watford loanee Nathaniel Chalobah receives first England Under-21 call-up

12:16pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in Watford FC News

Picture: Holly Cant

Watford loanee Nathaniel Chalobah is one of five new faces in England Under-21s' squad for next week’s international against Northern Ireland.

England's play-off victory over Serbia means they have qualified for next summer's European Championships so Stuart Pearce has decided to look to the future for next Tuesday's game at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road, kick-off 7.45pm.

Along with 17-year-old Chelsea starlet Chalobah, Pearce has also given first call-ups to Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Leicester City defender Liam Moore, Derby County midfielder Will Hughes and Arsenal forward Benik Afobe.

"This will be an opportunity for a number of younger players, and those who have not had much game time, to impress and put themselves in contention for a place on the plane next summer," Pearce told TheFA.com.

"There are young players within this group who will be able to go again with the Under-21s for the 2015 campaign, so every chance to play for England will give them experience they will no doubt call upon in the future."

If England Under-21s can beat the Irish then it would make it six consecutive victories - which would equal a record that dates back to 1991.

Goalkeepers: Ben Amos (Hull City - on loan from Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford - on loan from Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Tom Lees (Leeds United), Liam Moore (Leicester City), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Adam Smith (Millwall - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Will Hughes (Derby County), Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers), Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough - on loan from Chelsea), Nick Powell (Manchester United), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards: Benik Afobe (Bolton Wanderers - on loan from Arsenal), Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle United), Tom Ince (Blackpool), Connor Wickham (Sunderland), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)