Surman answers England's call

Impressive Surman
Southampton FC midfielder Surman has earned his first England call-up after impressing Pearce this season, while Norwich City FC goalkeeper Joe Lewis makes his first step into the Under-21s having already claimed caps at U16, U17 and U19 level. "Andrew had a good season at Southampton last year and has taken that form into this campaign," said Pearce of the 21-year-old. "He's a very promising midfielder and I saw him play against Stoke [City FC] and he was in good form. He took his goal well and looked very good throughout the game."

Laying foundations
"Joe has been playing very well on loan at Morecambe [FC] and has come through the England system, so it'll be good to see him join up with us," added Pearce. After a 1-1 friendly draw against Romania in Bristol last week, Pearce also has captain Steven Taylor back in the side after his week with Steve McClaren's senior squad. England are looking to build on last season, which culminated in his side's agonising 13-12 penalty shoot-out defeat against hosts and eventual winners the Netherlands at the 2007 finals in June. Pearce's side travel to Podgorica to take on Montenegro on 7 September before facing Bulgaria in Sofia four days later in their opening Group 3 games.

England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick, Joe Hart, Joe Lewis.

Defenders: Martin Cranie, Craig Gardner, Michael Mancienne, Nedum Onuoha, Andrew Taylor, Steven Taylor, David Wheater.

Midfielders: Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Michael Johnson, Michael Kightly, James Milner, Fabrice Muamba, Mark Noble, Andrew Surman.

Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Dexter Blackstock, Matt Derbyshire, Luke Moore, Theo Walcott.