Cranie nets Young Lions call

Charlton defender Martin Cranie has been named in the England U21 squad for the friendly with the Czech Republic at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane on Tuesday, November 18th (7.45pm).

Cranie, on loan with the Addicks from Portsmouth, has been included in a 21-man squad as Stuart Pearce begins his preparations for next summer's European Championship finals in Sweden.

The Young Lions booked their place in the tournament after a two-legged play-off win over Wales, and looking ahead to the game with the Czechs, Pearce said: "I'm very much looking forward to taking the U21s to Bramall Lane. It's a club and a city with a fantastic football history and I'm sure the fans will turn out to see England.

"The play-offs against Wales were tough matches and the Czech Republic game is intended as the first step towards preparing the squad for the finals."

Cranie, a regular for Pearce's side, has made 11 appearances for Charlton since his short-term switch from Fratton Park, playing at centre-half, right-back and left-back during that time.

In other international news, Addicks youngster Jordan Cousins is in the England U16 squad to face Scotland in the Victory Shield on Friday, November 28th, but there is no place for Charlton teammate Connor Morris for the game at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank.

Having won their first two games against Northern Ireland and Wales, only Scotland stand in the way of an eighth successive triumph in the Victory Shield for England.

Coach Kenny Swain said: "England against Scotland is always going to be competitive, whatever the level. We've had some tight games over the last few years but I'm sure that their coach, Ross Mathie, will bring down a confident squad for the game at Lincoln.

"He's a very experienced coach and knows all about playing England south of the border. Like us, they've had some up and down years but we've had some fierce encounters in the past and we're looking forward to another exciting game."