Stuart Pearce has told his players that they are playing for two caps - for this match and for the next one.
England v Slovenia
International Under-21 Friendly
7.45pm, Tuesday 19 August 2008
KC Stadium, Hull City FC
Ticket Hotline - 0870 837 0004
Group Booking form - click here
Charter Standard Club form - click here
As he prepares for the first match of a new season, England Under-21s coach Stuart Pearce has told his players that when they turn out against Slovenia they will be playing for two caps - this one and the next one.
Having looked at a number of younger players in the final two friendlies last term, Pearce has recalled several experienced players and will be looking to use the encounter at Hull City to prepare for the decisive European Championship qualifier with Portugal next month.
Pearce told TheFA.com: "We are in the scenario now where we are in the build-up to a big tournament so it’s a vital match for us with our final qualifier against Portugal at Wembley on the horizon.
"Friendlies are not friendlies when you play for England, and as a patriot I was very proud every time I played for my country. Players are judged each time they pull on a shirt for England.
"And I’ve always said, if you play for your country you are playing for two caps. Play well in one game and you’ll give yourself a chance for another opportunity in the next match."
Pearce is confident that he has a strong group of players for this match and has called on the players to do everything they can to stake their claim ahead of the competitive games.
"I’ve picked a strong squad for this game and it’s down to those individuals now, and anyone outside that squad, to really start trying to nail down a place for the final squad next summer, should we qualify for Sweden.
"It’s not me that picks the squad, it’s the players themselves and their performances that will pick the squad."
Tickets are on sale now priced £10 adults and £5 for U16s and OAPs from the KC Stadium ticket office either in person or by phone on 0870 8370004. For Group Bookings - click here or Charter Standard Club form - click here
Tickets are also on sale now for the match against Portugal at Wembley Stadium on Friday 5 September with most seats costing just £10 for adults and £5 for children from the Hotline 0844 826 2010 or via The FA ticketing site where further information can be found including details of group booking discounts.