AMERICA'S NO HOLIDAY FOR HUDDLESTONE

Huddlestone - called up by Capello.

Tom Huddlestone's England call-up meant he cancelled holiday plans to America - and now he wants to play against them.

The Tottenham midfielder thought he was the victim of a prank when he was told boss Fabio Capello had picked him for end-of-season friendlies but then rearranged his flights when the squad was confirmed.

"I did make holiday plans, for this Sunday, but luckily I was able to change the flights until later in June," the 21-year-old said.

"I'm going to America with one of my friends - New York, Miami and Las Vegas. I'd rather play against them than go there on holiday."

Capello was at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground this week to watch Huddlestone score a penalty for the under-21s in the victory over Wales.

Joe Hart, David Wheater, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott also played before joining up with the seniors for the matches against America and Trinidad and Tobago.

"It's not just Fabio being at the game, the main incentive is that there are younger players in his squad," said Huddlestone.

"The players in the under-21s know if they play well he won't be shy in giving them a chance.

"But I wasn't expecting the call-up, it was totally out of the blue. I wasn't sure if someone was trying to have a laugh with me when I got the message. I just waited until it was announced on TV before replying to the text message."

Huddlestone is slimmer and fitter than he was a year ago, helped by Juande Ramos' fitness regime at Spurs. The youngster has been told by under-21 coach Stuart Pearce to get forward as much possible as a result.

"The main part of my game that has improved is the fitness side," Huddlestone said.

"I'm covering more distance on the pitch, that has shown in my performances of late."

Spurs head coach Ramos has changed diets meaning Huddlestone cut out putting tomato ketchup on his food.

"Tomato ketchup is still off the menu but I might treat myself every so often," he added.

"Everyone has their own individual programme for the summer so it's a case of not slacking off for the four to six weeks we've got off. We're trying to go back in as fit a shape as possible."

Before returning to Spurs, Huddlestone is hoping for his England debut.

"It's just great to be in the squad, that's the main thing for me," he said.

"It's a case of going there, working hard and hopefully getting my chance in the America game but if I don't then the whole thing will still be a fantastic experience."