Cleverley is OUT for England's friendly with Holland

Fears are growing that Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has been dealt a crushing blow and been ruled out of England's friendly with Holland.

The 22-year-old had been expected to earn his first cap after being called into Stuart Pearce's squad for the match at Wembley on Wednesday.

However Cleverley suffered an injury setback in United's Europa League defeat to Ajax at Old Trafford on Thursday night and is now not expected to join the squad.



It would be the second time the talented playmaker has missed out on an international opportunity, with his first call up coming for the original game with Holland with was cancelled due to the London riots in August.

Cleverley has endured a mixed season at club level. Having proved himself worthy of a starting berth when fit, he has all too often succumbed to knocks, the most serious of which saw him miss several months with ankle ligament problems.



Speaking ahead of his call-up, he said: 'I don't really listen to what people are saying. I just go out and play my football.

'If I can find some good form from now until the end of the season, I would be more than happy to be involved in the European Championships.

'I am not sure whether it is a good time though. I know Stuart Pearce quite well from my time with the Under 21s. He is a good manager. Hopefully I will be involved.'