The Hereford Times

Hart gets England call

8:29pm Sunday 11th May 2008

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been included in Fabio Capello's England squad for the friendlies with USA and Trinidad and Tobago

The 21-year-old, who was on the bench as City conceded eight goals at Middlesbrough, completes a remarkable elevation after only spending one season as a first-team regular following his move to Eastlands from Shrewsbury in 2006.

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone has also been picked for the first time, while defenders Phil Jagielka and David Wheater are both selected in the 31-man squad.

Three confirmed absentees through injury are Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards and Matthew Upson, with Capello no doubt keen to look at most of the remainder as he builds towards the start of England's World Cup qualifying campaign in September.

After choosing Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand as his first two captains, Capello is yet to name his skipper for the USA game, although John Terry is available, as is Wayne Rooney, who has been touted as a future captain by the Italian.

A further interesting choice is former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, who has been in outstanding form for Blackburn this term.

Theo Walcott, named in Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad for next Thursday's friendly with Wales in Wrexham, will then link up with the senior party.

West Ham's Dean Ashton will be among the other attacking players Capello will have at his disposal, with all but the nine men on Champions League duty due to report on May 22.