Jack Wilshere was released from the England squad today less than 24 hours after Arsene Wenger said it was a waste of time calling up the injured Arsenal midfielder.
Wilshere had to miss the Gunners' 2-1 pre-season defeat to Benfica on Saturday night with an ankle problem but that did not stop Fabio Capello including him in the group for Wednesday's friendly with Holland at Wembley.
The 19-year-old reported to the squad's team hotel at Watford but after being assessed by the England medical team this morning was sent back to Arsenal.
This is the second time in three months that Wenger has come out on top in a club-v-country row involving his talented midfielder.
Towards the end of last season, the Gunners manager knocked down calls for Wilshere to play at the European Under-21 Championships, saying his appearance there could put him at risk of burn-out.
With Michael Carrick also dropping out this morning due to an Achilles injury, Capello called up Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.
The 21-year-old joined United as trainee in 2005 but only made his debut for the club yesterday, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 Community Shield win over Manchester City.
Although Cleverley has had only one season in the Premier League - he spent last season on loan at Wigan after a similar spell at Watford - Ashley Young is backing his United team-mate to cope with the step up to the international stage.
England winger Young said: "He has confidence in his own ability and I am sure he will come into the squad and do well. He has been tremendous in pre-season and I am sure he will go on to be a top, top player."
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The squad also includes right-back Kyle Walker, who is back at Tottenham after being on loan at Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa last season.
Walker has played just three games for Spurs since joining from Sheffield United in 2009 and would be open to another loan move if he does not get more first-team action this season.
"It's a possibilty," he said. "I went to Villa and I thought I did okay. To be in the England squad I need to be playing Premier League football and, hopefully, I can do that at Tottenham. I have spoken to Harry Redknapp and he said I would be in contention for the right-back spot."
