James Tomkins and Freddie Sears have been selected by England Under-19s for the international friendly against Russia on 25 March.
The duo will hope to impress in the match in Milton Keynes in the hope of winning a place in Brian Eastick's squad for May's vital European U19 Championship elite round. The Young Lions are due to come up against hosts Belarus, Serbia and Poland in a four-country mini-tournament to decide which of the four will compete in the eight-nation 14-26 July finals in the Czech Republic. Russia are also bidding to qualify so will provide stern opposition.
Central defender Tomkins is an established performer at U19 level for England, having particularly impressed Eastick in the 2-0 friendly win against Croatia last month. Prolific forward Sears came off the bench for that fixture, his second such appearance for his country, and very nearly scored in an impressive late cameo. Jordan Spence, still only 17, and Junior Stanislas have also been involved at U19 level this season and could yet force their way into the reckoning.
Why not head along to Milton Keynes to see two of the club's brightest young talents in action on Tuesday 25 March? Admission for Stadium: MK is £3 for adults in advance (£5 on the day) and £1 for concessions. On the same evening, Mark Noble will hope to figure in the U21s' friendly against Poland at the Molineux home of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Matthew Upson could also turn out again for the senior side the following night when they take on the might of France in Paris.