Steven Gerrard is included in the England squad for the first time since November 2010

The interim manager spent Wednesday calling senior players to inform them they would not be involved because he will use the game to look at younger talent.

The continued exclusion of Richards throughout his four-year tenure was one of the more remarkable aspects of
Fabio Cappello's reign.

Pearce has wasted no time in bringing the City man back into the fold, although with Kyle Walker and Glen
Johnson also included it is not known exactly how he fits into the plans.

Neither Rio Ferdinand nor Frank Lampard have been selected, although the presence of  Gerrard suggests the Liverpool man will gain the captain's armband, sensationally stripped from John Terry earlier this month.

The ramifications of that led to Capello leaving and the likelihood remains Harry Redknapp with eventually replace him. However, Pearce has been given free rein to select the players he wants.

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