Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon was the surprise name in Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad for next week's European Championship qualifier against Republic of Ireland.

Lennon played for the Under-21s before breaking into the senior squad ahead of the last World Cup, but was out of favour under former England boss Steve McClaren.

His recent form for Spurs had him tipped for a call-up for the seniors but he has been included in Pearce's squad for Tuesday's clash at St Mary's.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was not included, and he was expected to be named in Fabio Capello's senior squad later today.

Pearce revealed that Capello is eager to have a closer look at Lennon.

'We need to see him play,' he said. 'I know Fabio is very interested in seeing him play.

'If players are at an age to play for the Under-21s they'll gain more experience playing than being in the seniors and not playing.

'He's only got two under-21 caps and he hasn't been a regular for the seniors.'

Agbonlahor missed the Under-21 European Championship in the summer after Pearce could not contact him to confirm his call-up.

The Aston Villa forward has felt the benefit of his rest and has impressed in the Premier League this season.

'It's good see that progression from players,' Pearce added.

England Under-21 squad to play the Republic of Ireland in a European Championship qualifier at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday, February 5:

Hart (Man City), Heaton (Man Utd), Lewis (Peterborough), Gardner (Villa), Mancienne (Chelsea), Mattock (Leicester), Onuoha (Man City), Shawcross (Stoke), Taylor (Newcastle), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Huddlestone (Tottenham), Johnson (Middlesbrough), Lennon (Tottenham), Milner (Newcastle), Muamba (Birmingham), Noble, (West Ham), O'Hara (Tottenham), Surman (Southampton), Jerome (Birmingham), Moore (Aston Villa), Vaughan (Everton), Walcott (Arsenal).