England Under-21 boss Peter Taylor has told how he and Glenn Hoddle thought long and hard before elevating Richard Wright to the senior squad.

This was not due to any doubt about Wright's ability but because he will miss tonight's friendly with the Czech under 21s at Portman Road.

Tickets for the match

Wright has become the first Ipswich player to be selected for the full England squad since Terry Butcher in 1986. Taylor said: "It was very difficult decision for Glenn Hoddle.

"He wanted to look at Richard closely and wanted to promote him to the senior squad because of how well he's been playing.

"But also he was aware about the Ipswich situation and really the decision would have been easier if the Under-21s had not been playing at Portman Road.

"But Glenn has to do what is right for the senior team and for Richard and I'm sure he will have a great few days with the senior team.

"To me Richard has not got a young head, he is a very experienced young man, terrific to work with and we are all delighted for him."

Ipswich will still be represented against the young Czechs with outstanding Kieron Dyer favourite to start as right wing back.

Taylor added: "Kieron's been exceptional and is in very good form.

"He has to keep playing they way he has done for him.

"I'm delighted he's back after missing our last game through injury and I'm delighted he will play in front of his home crowd and hope he puts on a great show for them."

Dyer, who will pick up his ninth cap, said: "Frank Lampard told me when he played in front of West Ham fans it was the most memorable moment in his career.

"And I think it will be the same for me. Walking out wearing my England shirt with pride, singing the national anthem in front of my home town crowd."

It will be the first time Dyer has played for either club or country without room-mate Wright.

Dyer said: "A few players were shocked but I had no doubt Richard would get called up for the senior squad.

"He has been absolutely magnificent for the past month and deserves to be promoted and he might even figure in the game which would be unbelievable.

It has been an incredible fortnight for Wright who became a father two weeks ago, celebrated his 21st birthday two days later and was named Nationwide player of the month.

The England under 21s have been staying at Five Lakes, Hotel Golf and Country club and last night trained at Heybridge Swifts' Scraley Road.

England: Simonsen (Tranmere), Dyer (Ipswich), Ball (Southampton), Curtis (Manchester United), Brown (Manchester United), Barry (Aston Villa), Carragher (Liverpool), Lampard (West Ham, capt), Morris (Chelsea), Davies (Blackburn), Cort (Wimbledon

Kick off is 7.45pm with tickets available at Portman Road or by calling 01473 400555. £10 adults, £5 children with tickets to the Family Stand £3 for children.

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