Taylor goes for youth

England's caretaker coach Peter Taylor has named one of the youngest-ever England squads and chosen David Beckham as captain for the team's game against Italy.

England's caretaker coach Peter Taylor has named one of the youngest-ever England squads and chosen David Beckham as captain for the team's game against Italy.

Experienced players such as Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Paul Ince and Dennis Wise are not included.

Taylor said: "I've spoken to all the players who were in the last squad and not in this one, and from the response I've had they fully understand.

"I've decided to go with players who have not been tried because it's a friendly and it's worth experimenting.

"I think there are a lot of players who have been in the senior squad and been progressing nicely. It's time to have a look at them."

Goalkeepers: David James (Aston Villa), Richard Wright (Ipswich Town), Paul Robinson (Leeds United)

Defenders: Gareth Southgate (Aston Villa), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Gary Neville (Manchester United), Phil Neville (Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (West Ham United), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Wes Brown (Manchester United)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Manchester United), Paul Scholes (Manchester United), Nicky Butt (Manchester United), Nick Barmby (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United), Ray Parlour (Arsenal), Frank Lampard (West Ham United), Seth Johnson (Derby County), Michael Ball (Everton), Darren Anderton (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards: Emile Heskey (Liverpool), Michael Owen (Liverpool), Kevin Phillips (Sunderland), Robbie Fowler (Liverpool), Alan Smith (Leeds United)