JACK RODWELL’S burgeoning career took another significant step forward last night when the Everton youngster made his England under-21s debut.

The 18-year-old was among the substitutes for the glamour friendly against France at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. And Rodwell emerged from the bench in the 85th minute as Stuart Pearce’s side were beaten 2-0.

The midfielder joined up with the U21s after captaining the England U19 team in their goalless draw with the Czech Republic last Wednesday.

“It’s been enjoyable,” said Rodwell. “I’ve been involved with the U16s, U17s, U18s and U19s, but the U21s is another step up. I was really pleased to get the call for the 21s. To be involved in the 19s then the 21s – it’s great to be able to get the chance for two games.

“Being in the U21s is a big step up, because there are a lot of players who play for the 19s but don’t make that step up. But I’ve been playing a bit for Everton in the first team, so I feel I’m capable at this level.

“The players here are first-team regulars, they are great technically, but they are good lads to be around too.”

Meanwhile highly-rated Germany U19s international Lewis Holtby has become the latest player to declare his interest in a move to Everton. Holtby has shot to prominence in his home country by helping Alemannia Aachen’s attempt to win promotion to the Bundesliga.

The 18-year-old, who has a Liverpool-born father, has become a target of Schalke and Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, and is also being tracked by Arsenal and Manchester United.

But the youngster admits that any move to the Premier League would preferably be to Goodison.

“I am not willing to make any statements regarding my future beyond the end of the season right now, but it is a fact that I will not join Schalke,” said Holtby. “If I ever get the chance to play in the Premier League one day, I would love to join Everton who are my favourite club.

“My father was born in England and was an Everton fan since the age of five. He immed-iately infected me with the Everton virus! Since then I have been Everton fan and have always followed their games.”

Meanwhile, Tim Cahill could be rushed back into action by Australia this morning in their World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Sydney.

Cahill has not played since suffering a tear of his calf muscle in the 3-1 victory over Stoke City on March 14.

Under FIFA rules, Everton had to release Cahill to the Australian national team where he was assessed by the Socceroos’ medical staff.

Everton were not expecting Cahill to play any part for his country, but the 29-year-old has trained for the past three days and now Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has hinted he may start today. He said: “I had them (Cahill and Mark Bresciano) on the training pitch yesterday and they are all training but are they ready to play 90 minutes? That’s another question. I know what I’m going to do but it all depends on the physical fitness of some of the players.”

Tickets are still available for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Wigan. Visit evertonfc.com for more details.