David Nugent has been called into the England squad for this week's Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Andorra.

Coach Steve McClaren drafted Nugent into his 23-man party after Darren Bent withdrew with a knee injury.

The Preston forward was always McClaren's first choice to step in should any of his four-pronged attack pull out and Nugent is now in line to become the first outfield player from outside the top flight to play for England since Michael Gray in 1999.

Although the Huyton-born star is unproven at the highest level, his 16 goals in all competitions have been a major factor behind Preston's surge into a Championship play-off spot.

If he plays any part against either Israel or Group E makeweights Andorra, Nugent will be the first Preston player to appear for England since Sir Tom Finney.