Arsenal Duo Theo Walcott & Jack Wilshere Left Out Of England U-21 Squad

Manchester City's Michael Johnson returns however...

Nov 4, 2009 6:22:34 PM

England's hattrick hero Theo Walcott celebrating during the Three Lions' emphatic 4-1 revenge mission against Croatia in Zagreb.

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By Alan McGuinness

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott have been left out of the England U21 squad for the matches against Portugal and Lithuania later this month.

Manager Stuart Pearce has however included Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson and Aston Villa's Fabien Delph.

Pearce says he understands that the pair will be frustrated at being left out, but did leave the door open for them to get into the squad if they can prove their fitness.

"Jack came in at the start of this season with a substitute appearance in Holland and has since had a couple of starts doing very well in each game, so he'll be disappointed he's missed this one that's for sure," said Pearce.

"I'd think anyone that's unfortunate enough to miss out in this squad will be very disappointed. But we'll be monitoring Jack and Theo's situations. If they recover a little bit quicker than expected, then we might review the squad, but it's a shame for them.

He added: "On the other side of things, Michael Johnson has had a massive absence from injury for a long, long time, so being in the squad will be a big lift for him."

England play Portugal at Wembley on November 14th and Lithuania on November 17th.