Fulham centre-back Zat Knight

Fulham centre-back Zat Knight has been handed a surprise call-up into the England squad to tour the USA later this month. It is a first squad call-up for Fulham centre-back Knight.

England coach Sven Goran Eriksson named his squad for the trip to America last week, but has seen his options limited by several withdrawals. Chelsea duo John Terry and Manchester United pair Rio Ferdinand have been forced to miss the tour.

The injuries to the central defensive duo has cleared the way for Zat Knight to win his first call-up to the senior squad.

Eriksson admitted he has been impressed by the uncapped defender this season.

"Zat is a player I have been aware of for some time. "He has all the attributes to be a top defender so it will be interesting to see how he does with us on this tour.

"It's an opportunity for him to show he has the ability to play at the very highest level so it's a good chance for him."

Zat will join up with the squad in Manchester next Tuesday before flying to Chicago later that day.

England are scheduled to play the USA in Chicago on Saturday, May 28 and then Colombia in New Jersey on Tuesday, May 31.