Everton starlet Dan Gosling is ready for re-run at Wembley

STUART PEARCE feels his England Under-21 squad can rise to the challenge of playing at Wembley against Portugal this afternoon - and he would like nothing more than to see some of the squad go on to join the seniors at the World Cup next summer.Everton's Dan Gosling, however, isn't looking that far ahead.A late call-up to Pearce's squad, the Blues' youngster is simply hoping to get his second run-out at Wembley Stadium inside six months, this time with a winning outcome.The clash with Portugal would be Gosling's first match at the national stadium since the FA Cup final.'It was a great day for me and one that I'll remember for a very long time,' he said. 'I managed to get on the pitch for about the last ten minutes. It was a great achievement for us to get there but perhaps we scored a bit too early.'It was a great feeling walking out, a shame we lost, but a great day for everyone connected with the club. Hopefully we can do the same again.'He added: 'I'm just thankful to have played there already, and hopefully I can play there many more times to come.'Gosling is unlikely to start today, but with this latest call-up giving him a representation in every England group bar the full international party, he is in the England system.Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone is in line to make his England debut against Brazil tonight, meaning Pearce has seen another of the young Lions make the step up to the full national team.As well as Huddlestone, the likes of James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Aaron Lennon and goalkeeper Paul Hart were all involved the last time the Under-21s played at Wembley, also against Portugal as they secured a place in the European Championship play-offs.Pearce hopes the latest experiences at the famous venue - which is a sell-out at a reduced 30,000 capacity - can only stand his team in good stead.'When we played at Wembley two years ago, the likes of Agbonlahor, Milner and Hart were all involved for us,' Pearce said.'They have all stepped up to play for the seniors and walk out at Wembley, they know what it is all about, the atmosphere does not faze them.'It is all part of their learning process and that is what having this game at Wembley is all about.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo