Wales under-21 squad blow

Hargreaves: targeted by England, despite being picked by Wales under 21s

Wales under-21 defender Owen Hargreaves has withdrawn from the game against Belarus at the City stadium in Borisov on Friday 1 September after an approach from England.

Hargreaves has treble qualification after being born in Canada to an English father and Welsh mother.

The move is a blow to manager Jimmy Shoulder, but he remained optimistic saying, "I think Owen is sensible to keep his options open.

"If he commits to us in a European Championship game he is stuck with us for the rest of his career."

"He could play in a friendly for either Wales, England or Canada, but a competitive game means he is stuck," Shoulder continued.

Mark Hughes is believed to have been in touch with Hargreaves to persuade him to commit to Wales.

"He is a very good player, not only has he gone to another continent to make it, he has gone to another culture - he is a very bright young fellow," said Shoulder.

Rhys Weston

The squad, announced last week saw call-ups for Arsenal's promising defender Rhys Weston and Spurs highly-rated youngster Simon Davies.

Swansea City have two players - Stuart Roberts and Lee Jenkins - in the squad while Wrexham have three - keeper David Walsh, Danny Williams and Stephen Roberts.

Full squad

David Walsh, Wrexham
Lee Kendal, Crystal Palace
Ryan Green, Wolves
David Partridge, Dundee United
Rhys Weston, Arsenal
Danny Slatter, Chelsea
Danny Williams, Wrexham
Simon Davies, Spurs
Layton Maxwell, Liverpool
Chris Llewellyn, Norwich
Leon Jayne, QPR
Daniel Gabbidon, WBA
Stephen Roberts, Wrexham
Lee Jenkins, Swansea
Gareth Jelleyman, Peterborough
Stuart Roberts, Swansea
James Thomas, Blackburn