Walcott, despite never having figured for his club in the Premiership, was the surprise package in Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad, but returned from Germany without kicking a ball.

He was joined in Peter Taylor's 23-man squad by Scott Carson, the Liverpool keeper who was summoned by Eriksson to stand in for Robert Green after the Norwich player was ruled out of the finals with injury.

Charlton striker Darren Bent, who was on standby for the World Cup, also figures in Taylor's list.

England head coach Steve McClaren said: "I wanted Darren, Scott and Theo to have the chance to play some competitive under-21s football.

"Darren has just come back from injury, Theo has not yet played a Premiership game and Scott faces stiff competition for games at Liverpool. The Moldova match will be very positive for all three of them.

"They are all still very much in my plans. I see the under-21s as a very important stepping stone to the senior team and I will keep a close eye on them this season."

Taylor's team face Moldova on Tuesday.