John and Narsingh get first Netherlands call-ups

Ola John and Luciano Narsingh have been called into the Netherlands squad for the first time for Wednesday's friendly against England at Wembley.

The 19-year-old John, younger brother of former Dutch international Collins John, has enjoyed a breakthrough season playing up front for FC Twente. He has provided the second most assists in the Eredivisie with 11, trailing only sc Heerenveen forward Narsingh, who has 13. Narsingh, 21, is a former AFC Ajax trainee who has become a fixture for Heerenveen over the last two campaigns.

"This is a beautiful surprise," debutant John reacted on his first selection. "At the start of the season I never thought I would end up with the Oranje so soon, then I still was a reserve. I do not really realise it's real. I think that will only come when I actually report to the Oranje squad. There you train with world class players. I want to learn as much as possible."

"Both guys have developed very fast," Oranje coach Bert van Marwijk said of the Under-21 international duo. "They have proved they can perform under pressure and both have an excellent final pass. That they are here for the last friendly before we start the final countdown to the EURO is significant."

Van Marwijk has also included Erik Pieters in his 24-man party even though the PSV Eindhoven left-back has only just returned from a broken toe sustained in October. "We don't have many options in that position and besides that, Erik always has done very well for us."

Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle United FC), Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea City AFC).

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburger SV), John Heitinga (Everton FC), Joris Mathijsen (Málaga CF), Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord).

Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City FC), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Ola John (FC Twente), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Luciano Narsingh (sc Heerenveen), Robin van Persie (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München).

*Rafael van der Vaart has withdrawn.