England C aiming for success

International Challenge Trophy
The Final
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Kassam Stadium, Oxford United
Kick-Off 7.45pm
Click here for Group Ticket Booking Form
Click here for Charter Standard Booking Form

England C will be gunning for silverware when they meet Belgium in The Final of the International Challenge Trophy at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium on 19 May.

Managed by former Barnet boss Paul Fairclough, the squad is made up of players from Conference level and below, with England C booking their place in this year’s ICT Final as Group A winners following victories over Wales and Finland plus a draw against Italy.

It’s been a busy 12 months for England C with the team not only winning the 2008 Four Nations tournament but also taking part in a Caribbean tour which featured community coaching sessions and friendlies against both Grenada and Barbados.

Paul Fairclough commented: “I’ve been very impressed with the type of players that have been involved with England C – not just as players but as people.

“I’ve been involved a number of times now as manager and when the players wear that England tracksuit for the first time you can see them grow as footballers.

“They look taller and stronger and it definitely has an impact on them.

“The Three Lions is an emotional thing to a lot of these young players so it’s great that they acknowledge what this team is all about and the pride is fantastic.”

And Fairclough is looking forward to bringing his side to The Kassam Stadium: “It’s a great stadium and it will be good to have The Final there because the fans around Oxford are passionate about their football.

“We’ve got James Constable in the squad and he’s a favourite with the Oxford United fans so hopefully everyone will come out and support both him and the team.”

Fairclough admits that Belgium will be a tough prospect for his young side: “They’re going to be a very, very strong team. Belgium have got to The Final and they’re going to want to win it, so we’re expecting a real quality side.

“But we try to get our squad to play without a handbrake and express themselves, so if people want to watch real national pride then Oxford is going to be the place to be on 19 May.”

Ticket prices for the big game are £5 for adults and £1 for concessions while FA Charter Standard youth clubs will be able to claim up to 30 free tickets and parties over 15 can see the game for just 50p. Booking form details for both will be online shortly.

The Squad

* Replaces Michael Bostwick due to injury 
** Replaces Josh Simpson due to injury
*** Replaces Ronnie Henry
**** Replaces Scott Laird
***** Replaces Mitchell Cole