Hart and Wheater helped England to a 2-2 draw with Wales at Villa Park, which put the hosts through to next summer's UEFA European U21 Championship finals in Sweden, courtesy of a 5-4 aggregate scoreline.

The Manchester City goalkeeper and Middlesbrough defender then flew through the night with Pearce to become members of the senior squad.

In all probability, neither man will even get a place on the substitutes' bench for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier in Belarus.

Still, Wheater was happy to put himself through a particularly punishing schedule, which needed agreement from Boro manager Gareth Southgate, who needs the young defender for a Saturday lunchtime showdown with Chelsea.

"Joe is not a problem as he will not play until Monday," said Under-21 coach Pearce.

"But there is no doubt David Wheater has had a tough game.

"But if I ask a player whether he wants to travel or go back to his club, he would want to be on that jet. They want to be part of the seniors. That is why they work so hard.

"I spoke to Gareth Southgate about it on Monday. These lads want to play for the seniors. We will try to take care of him the best we can."

Wheater and Hart would have been joined on their midnight trip by Gabriel Agbonlahor if the Aston Villa forward had not tweaked a hamstring against Wales.

Pearce revealed he offered to leave all three players out of the game but the move was declined by coach Franco Baldini.

"Franco just said definitely not, the game was too important," said Pearce.

"Part of my job is to get results, educate them and get them through to the seniors.

"We had planned on taking three of them. They were proud to be asked this morning. Unfortunately Gaby will not be going but the other two are proud to."

At least Agbonlahor has a tournament to look forward to after England, beaten semi-finalists in Holland two years ago, survived a stern test.

Tom Huddlestone put England ahead early on but Wales simply redoubled their efforts.

Aaron Ramsey scored a sensational equaliser, then set up Simon Church four minutes later to put the visitors in front.

Sam Vokes' own-goal brought England level before the break but once Huddlestone was red-carded for a foul on Darcy Blake, the nearest Brian Flynn's side came was five minutes from time when Vokes hit a post.

"I feel sorry for Wales because we could both have done the British Isles proud next summer," said Pearce.

"It was as stern a test as we have had in my time as manager.

"We have been pushed hard by Spain, Italy and Holland but Wales were right up there."

"Ramsey's goal was unstoppable and in the end I am just glad to get through."

Pearce led England to the semi-finals two years ago, only to be beaten 13-12 in an amazing penalty shoot-out by hosts Holland.

"I am more experienced now," he said.

"We also have seven or eight players who have been through it before, so hopefully we can do better."