The former Manchester United player has blossomed in Steve McClaren's free-flowing team this season playing on the left-hand side of a midfield trio. And, with his extensive Under-21 experience (he has 17 caps at that level), he should settle well into the fold.

In what is otherwise a fairly settled squad, David Thompson and Frank Lampard also keep their places.

On naming his squad, Sven told us: "This is a really good opportunity to get all the players together again. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone."

The players will assemble next Monday and Sven is hopeful that everyone will be able to make it.

The England coach said: "We sent a letter to clubs a year ago, explaining that we would only have three friendlies in a season, but that we might take players away for a get-together.

"The clubs were happy with that, and I hope the players will come."

Meanwhile, Sven also admitted that, though he has not made this squad, Wayne Rooney's form has caught his eye.

Of the 17 year-old prodigy, he said: "I think he's a brilliant talent but it might be a bit too early. "He should be with the Under-21 squad at least once before the senior team, but who knows, February maybe?"

Here's the squad in full:

David Seaman - Arsenal 
David James - West Ham United
Paul Robinson - Leeds United
Phil Neville - Manchester United
Jamie Carragher - Liverpool
Ugo Ehiogu - Middlesbrough
Sol Campbell - Arsenal
Gareth Southgate - Middlesbrough
Ledley King - Tottenham Hotspur
Ashley Cole - Arsenal
Wayne Bridge - Southampton
David Beckham - Manchester United
Steven Gerrard - Liverpool
Paul Scholes - Manchester United
Owen Hargreaves - Bayern Munich
Kieron Dyer - Newcastle United
David Thompson - Blackburn Rovers
Danny Murphy - Liverpool
Trevor Sinclair - West Ham United
Frank Lampard - Chelsea
Jonathan Greening - Middlesbrough
Emile Heskey - Liverpool
Michael Owen - Liverpool
Alan Smith - Leeds United
Darius Vassell - Aston Villa

David Platt's U21 squad