Stuart Pearce's last game for England was in November 1999. The newly appointed Under 21 coach said: "It's been quite a while since I've been able to stand there in front of a national anthem.
"Wearing the badge as a player was my main drive in the game.''
Pearce was given permission to take charge of tonight's game at Pride Park against Spain and then the European Championships to be held in Holland during the summer.
He added: "There have been good foundations laid down by Peter Taylor and he did a sensational job getting them to the Finals."
Striker David Nugent's 12 goals in the Championship have boosted Preston's promotion hopes.
He said: "For me personally the season has been good so far. I've been given my chance with the Under-21s and scored two goals (in August and September).
Tranmere Rovers on loan keeper Joe Hart and Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill were both named in the squad for the first time.
David Bentley, Kieran Richardson and Leroy Lita have returned, but Anton Ferdinand is unavailable through injury.
Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire, Wigan full-back Leighton Baines and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole were all withdrawn from Pearce's first squad. Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome was added to replace Derbyshire, but he and Gabriel Agbonlahor have both since returned home after withdrawing from the squad with minor injuries.
Source: TheFA.com