BLACKBURN Rovers new boy Jonathan Stead has been picked for the England Under 21s squad.

The young striker's meteoric rise continues following his move from Third Division Huddersfield just less than two weeks ago.

For the 20-year-old will meet up with the rest of David Platt's squad as they prepare for their first match of 2004 against Holland U21s at Hull City's Kingston Communications Stadium on Tuesday night, kick-off 8pm.

Stead caught the eye of England U21 manager Platt after scoring twice in two games, first on his debut at Middlesbrough, where he fired in the winner, then equalising against Newcastle on his home debut on Wednesday night.

The 20-year-old said: "It's obviously a great thrill. I'm having a good season and you always live in hope of these things."