KEVIN Nolan made his debut for the England U21s in Italy on Tuesday but was unable to prevent David Platt's side slipping to a disappointing 1-0 defeat.

The Wanderers' midfielder made his bow as a 61st minute substitute for Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips in Carrera.

England failed to get a single shot on target, leaving Empoli striker Marco Borriello to head the only goal of the friendly 16 minutes from time.

Bernard Mendy made a successful return to the French U21 side, three months after breaking his leg in training for the 'Cornflowers'.

The in-form Wanderer impressed in a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Caen - the U21s' sixth win on the trot.

Earlier, the Wanderers' boss said it was "ludicrous" that U21s coach David Platt gave them just four days' notice that Nolan was wanted for the friendly international .

"I love Kevin and I want him to go and play for the England U21s, but please let's have a bit of courtesy," the manager said.

"He was packing his bags on Friday to go to Dubai after going down to West Brom with us on Saturday and we get a call saying he's going to be in the U21s. It's a ludicrous situation."

There was no indication that Nolan, a second half substitute in the 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns, would be in Platt's squad until late Friday afternoon.

"It's a great shout for Kevin," Allardyce acknowledged, "but rather too late from the FA. They are an absolute joke ringing to let us know at that late stage."