Stuart Pearce praised England's Under-21 side after they beat Wales Under-21s 2-0 on Thursday night in front of Fabio Capello.Tom Huddlestone and Theo Walcott put themselves in the frame for senior starts after both scoring in front of the England coach.

Huddlestone opened the scoring from the penalty spot against Wales at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground, then Walcott wrapped up the 2-0 win in the 26th minute of the friendly.

Also playing among Capello's current senior squad for the internationals against USA and Trinidad & Tobago was Joe Hart, David Wheater and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

"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."

Capello was in the dressing room before kick-off but it was Pearce as usual who delivered the team talk.

"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."

Pearce will also join up with the seniors as part of his role in Capello's backroom staff. He will also tell the Italian which under-21s have impressed in training.

"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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