Theo Walcott is set to be named in Fabio Capello's England squad for next week's friendly game against France.

The Arsenal striker has been omitted from Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad and is now likely to feature on the Italian's 30-man senior list for Wednesday's game in Paris.

Walcott, 19, has not featured for the national side since he made his debut nearly two years ago - against Hungary in the run up to the 2006 World Cup.

He was selected by then England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson for the tournament in Germany, although he did not get a game and has since failed to win another call-up.

But a recent resurgence in form has seen Walcott return to contention for the national side and Capello is expected to include him in his provisional squad on Thursday - which will be later trimmed to 23 names.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon have also been left out of the Under-21 squad ahead of next week's clash with Portugal Under-21s, but Pearce remained tight-lipped on who would be making the step up to the senior squad.

"I'm not suggesting they've been left out totally but I'm also not suggesting one or two faces might turn up in Fabio's squad - that's down to him," Pearce said.

"You never know, there might be one or two names that have been named in Fabio's squad that make you sit up and listen."

Meanwhile David Beckham's chances of returning to the England fold have been given a boost after Capello's right-hand man Franco Baldini met with the LA Galaxy midfielder's club coach Ruud Gullit over the weekend.

Capello was given assurances over Beckham's fitness as the former England captain seeks to win his 100th international cap.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport