Gibbs and Fielding out of U21 squad

27 March 2011 15:30

England Under-21s have been hit by further withdrawals ahead of Monday night's friendly against Iceland.

Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs and Blackburn goalkeeper Frankie Fielding were sent back to their clubs after picking up injuries ahead of the game at Preston's Deepdale Stadium.

Head coach Stuart Pearce reacted by handing maiden call-ups to Manchester United keeper Ben Amos and midfielders Adam Hammill and Jordan Mutch from Wolves and Birmingham respectively.

Aston Villa's Nathan Baker and West Ham's Jordan Spence could also make their Under-21 debuts after being added to the squad.

The raft of call-ups follows Pearce's decision to allow Sunderland duo Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Bolton pair Fabrice Muamba and Daniel Sturridge to return to their clubs.

All five started Thursday night's 4-0 win against Under-21 Championship hosts Denmark, as did Micah Richards, who suffered a hamstring injury after less than three minutes in Viborg.

Amos and Mutch have made one appearance for the Under-20s, whilst Hammill, Baker and Spence have previously played for the Under-19s.

Source: PA