Int Football - Lewis replaces Kirkland for England

Eurosport - Sun, 25 May 11:40:00 2008

England coach Fabio Capello added Peterborough United youngster Joe Lewis to his squad after Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was forced out of training.

FOOTBALL - Joe Lewis, Chesterfield goalkeeper - 0

Kirkland was sent home from the England squad with an injury and is set to miss the friendly with the United States.

The Latics stopper is suffering from back spasms and has been given the opportunity to rest the problem, which also forced him to miss the March friendly against France.

He is unlikely to feature in next Wednesday's friendly with the USA at Wembley, but has not yet been ruled out of the trip to Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday 1st June.

Lewis, who only made his Under 21 debut earlier this month, trained alongside fellow goalkeepers Joe Hart and David James on Saturday.

The Peterborough shot-stopper is savouring the experience with the senior side at the end of a successful season.

"I am over the moon and thrilled with the call-up," Lewis said. "It came out of the blue and I am enjoying every minute of it.

"I trained with the squad on Saturday morning and it was superb to be involved with the best players in this country.

"It is a fantastic experience for me. I managed to make a couple of good saves, which was a great feeling, especially from Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard! It is a great end to a fantastic season."

TeamTALK / Eurosport