Taylor to miss England U21 game
Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor has withdrawn from the England Under-21 team to play Italy at the new Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The 20-year-old was forced to pull out of the friendly encounter because of a toe injury.
Theo Walcott was omitted from the squad because he requires shoulder surgery.
Nigel Reo-Coker is set to captain the side, while injured West Brom defender Curtis Davies has been replaced by Aston Villa's Liam Ridgewell.
England qualified for June's European Championship with a victory over Germany in October.
Manager Peter Taylor subsequently stepped down as coach in order to concentrate on his managerial role at Crystal Palace.
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce took the reins on a temporary basis but agreed to allow his assistant Nigel Pearson to take charge against Italy so he could concentrate on club matters.
"We have to keep things in perspective and not get carried away with the occasion," said Pearson.
"It's a massive game for the team as we build towards the finals this summer and a big tournament for these players so we have to strike a balance between enjoying a historic event and making the most of an important preparation game.
"I'm looking forward to being part of this historic day and I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere in front of a big crowd."
Pearson has included four uncapped players in his squad, including in-form Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire.
All 60,000 tickets for the England Under-21 friendly sold out within hours.
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England Under-21 squad to face Italy at Wembley on 24 March:
Alnwick (Tottenham), Camp (Derby), Hart (Manchester City); Baines (Wigan), Cahill (Aston Villa), L Ridgewell (Aston Villa), Hoyte (Arsenal), Rosenior (Fulham), A Taylor (Middlesbrough), S Taylor (Newcastle); Bentley (Blackburn), Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Huddlestone (Tottenham), Milner (Newcastle), Reo-Coker (West Ham), Richardson (Manchester United), Routledge (Tottenham); Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Derbyshire (Blackburn), Lita (Reading), Nugent (Preston), Young (Aston Villa).
