Agbonlahor to join Walcott in Under-21s

Agbonlahor is adamant Villa will not throw away lightly the hard work they have put in this season to put themselves in striking distance of the Champions League (GETTY IMAGES)

Theo Walcott and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been included in the England Under-21 squad for the friendly against Wales on 15 May in Wrexham.

Walcott was an unused substitute with the seniors during the last international break, while Agbonlahor was on Fabio Capello's initial list for the France defeat before the squad was trimmed.

Both have a chance to impress Capello, along with Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, as there is no clash with the end-of-season friendly for the seniors against Trinidad and Tobago, and any of the players can be promoted.

Franco Baldini, Capello's general manager, attends Under-21 matches but with the seniors not meeting that week it raises the possibility of the England manager watching the youngsters at the Racecourse Ground.

Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has rested experienced players such as Steven Taylor, Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon and Matt Derbyshire, while Nedum Onuoha is injured.

Middlesbrough's David Wheater, Manchester City's Michael Johnson and West Ham's Mark Noble were named in the 23-man squad.

QPR defender Matt Connolly earned a call-up and Martin Crainie was back in the squad.