U16s aim for success in Chester

England U16 v Northern Ireland
Sky Sports Victory Shield
7.40pm, Thursday 5 November 2009
Deva Stadium, Chester CIty FC
Tickets are priced £3 for adults and £1 for concessions
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England U16s will be looking to make it two wins from two in the Victory Shield when they take on Northern Ireland at Deva Stadium tonight.

The Home Nations tournament began last month when Northern Ireland lost 2-1 to Scotland. England's campaign began with a 1-0 win over Wales at Yeovil, Arsenal’s Zak Ansah scoring the only goal of the game.

“The Victory Shield is a fantastic competition because it allows us to give players their first taste of international football," said Kenny Swain, the U16 Head Coach. “The likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Theo Walcott and Joe Cole have all played U16 football for England so hopefully some of our current players will be able to follow in their footsteps."

The U16s were last at Deva Stadium against Northern Ireland in 2005 when they were beaten by a stoppage time goal but last season saw England chalk up a 6-0 win at the Ballymena Showgrounds. Swain is predicting a much tougher game this time round.

“Games against Northern Ireland are always competitive but we’ve both changed our squads so it’s difficult to predict how the game will pan out.

"One thing I can guarantee is that it will be a very tough match.”