Sir Alex withdraws Welbeck from England duty

Sir Alex Ferguson has withdrawn Danny Welbeck from England under-21 duty, so that the striker can focus on his next Manchester United game.

England under-21 boss Stuart Pearce said: "I spoke to Sir Alex straight after the [Iceland] game. He had concerns about Danny travelling back from Montenegro [with England's senior side] and then getting on a plane to Oslo.

"I quite understood that but I had to make the call because I've only got one striker in the squad. I had a decent chat with him and moved on from there. I quite understand his position."

Welbeck impressed in the 3-0 victory over Iceland, but will take no part against Norway today.