Stuart Pearce has backed his five England Under-21 players to feature under Fabio Capello when they meet up with the seniors next week.Capello watched Tom Huddlestone and Theo Walcott score for the Under-21s against Wales at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground, with Joe Hart, David Wheater and Gabriel Agbonlahor also starting.

They could all play against USA or Trinidad and Tobago under Capello, who made an appearance in Pearce's dressing room before the 2-0 win.

"We've got a squad of 31 in the seniors and the bottom line is you might lose a couple through injury - it's a perfect opportunity with the two matches to look at one or two of them," Pearce said.

"If any of these get on the pitch they will do themselves credit."

Pearce feels his team were lifted by Capello's presence.

"Before the game he came in," he said. "I can speak a thousand words to my players about progression from my squad but that pales into insignificance compared to him showing his face in the dressing room.

"It's the least you expect from him because that is the kind of work ethic he has. He's not work-shy, he comes to the games and for the players it will give them a big lift.

"The fact that we had five players meeting up with the seniors next week put an extra spice on the game. All five knew he was there.

"They all did themselves great credit. Next week they should meet up and be 10 feet tall."

Huddlestone opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Adam Johnson was brought down, then Walcott doubled the lead in the 26th minute when his finish deflected in.

"I learned a lot," Pearce said. "I know Michael Mancienne can play centre-half. Tom Huddlestone is improving, Adam Johnson and Theo are getting better with every game.

"We finished the season unbeaten and that is all you can ask for as a manager."

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