England squad named for ICT Final
Friday, 13 May, 2011
Paul Fairclough names 16-man squad to face Portugal at Sixfields.
England C v Portugal
International Challenge Trophy Final
Sixfields Stadium, Northampton Town FC
7.30pm, Thursday 19 May 2011 England C Manager Paul Fairclough has named a 16-man squad for his side’s International Challenge Trophy Final against Portugal next Thursday.
The squad includes a host of new players in the shape of Connor Franklin, George Donnelly, Matthew Blair, Reece Styche, Sean Clancy and Scott Davies.
Fairclough’s resources have been stretched with the game being played two days before the Conference Play-Off Final, however Fairclough is still confident in his side’s ability.
“The standard of football in the Conference is improving all the time, there’s no question about that," he said. "It’s a real opportunity for new players coming in to show their ability.”
In February, England defeated Belgium 1-0 at Luton to reach this stage of the competition and avenge their 1-0 defeat to the same opposition in the 2009 Final. Northampton Town has been chosen as the destination for The Final and Fairclough is predicting a big performance from his whole squad.
“This group of players will be really proud to represent their country and it would be nice to see a big crowd at Sixfields, because that will no doubt have a great impact on them. It’s also a good opportunity for the boys to play in a League stadium and win a trophy for England.”
Portugal will be strong opposition for the Three Lions as they beat Italy 3-2 in the other semi-final and Fairclough is wary of their threat:
“Portugal will prove a very tough test for us but you expect that in a final. They had a great win over Italy and we expect them to play some good passing football. I will prepare my team as usual and they will give a strong physical performance on the night and play some good football.”
Admission on the night will be £5 for adults with children under 16 getting in free.
Squad in full:Jonathan Hedge (FC Halifax Town), Scott Davies (Fleetwood Town), Michael Wylde (Tamworth), Josh Coulson (Cambridge United), Robert Atkinson (Unattached), Connor Frankiln (Alfreton Town), Lee Vaughan (Kidderminster Harriers), Josh Simpson (Crawley Town), Max Porter (Rushden & Diamonds), Sean Clancy (Fleetwood Town), Jack Byrne (Kidderminster Harriers), Danny Rose (Newport County), Reece Styche (Forest Green Rovers), Andy Mangan (Wrexham), George Donnelly (Fleetwood Town)
Matthew Blair (Kidderminster Harriers).
