The FA's decision not to call-up Wayne Rooney for the England squad for the World U20 Championship in March and April looks to be good news for Town. Both Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent have also been tipped to be members of Les Reed's squad for the tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Reports in recent days indicated that Rooney, a regular in the Everton side, could become the subject of a club versus country row with the Toffees determined not to release him for what they see as a minor tournament.

However, it seems there was little in the stories, Everton's head of PR Ian Ross revealing that they had heard good news from the FA: "Les Reed of the FA has been in contact with our manager David Moyes, and has now made it clear that the FA has no intention of including Wayne Rooney for the tournament in March."

It is likely that Bent and Ambrose, both key first team players at Town, will also be overlooked by England in order that they can play for their clubs at the time of the tournament.

One Town player who may be in the running for a place is Matt Bloomfield. The midfielder went on an England U20s training camp last week at La Manga.

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