England’s preparation this autumn ahead of the Euros has been exceedingly positive, and boss Pete Sturgess will be keen to ensure that these next two games will only help to support this positive momentum.
Andorra v England
Futsal Internationals
4.30pm, Sunday 14 December 2014
7pm, Monday 15 December 2014
By Simon Walker
The Three Lions’ last run-out at the start of November saw them crush Latvia 5-1 and 2-0 at St Georges Park, games which were full of intrigue as Latvia are drawn in the same Euros qualifying group as England.
Similarly, Andorra are in the same qualifying group as Latvia and England, and so the games on Sunday and Monday will also be interesting to gauge how much each side reveals to the other regarding their playing styles.
England will be heading into these games as favourites with Andorra ranked five places below England, but they have had some impressive performances in recent years.
So this will be a test for England, and the Lions will need to put in two strong performances if they are to maintain their momentum.
The squad is without two of its most influential players in Guillermo Wallace and Doug Reed, but still possesses some high quality senior players in Ben Mortlock, James Dalton, Agon Rexha and Ian Parkes, and in Stuart Cook and Luke Ballinger they have two players who have been in scintillating form in recent times.
Highlights of England's win at St. George's Park in November.
The fixtures this autumn have also been characterised by Sturgess gradually introducing several new faces into the England team, with both Richard Ward and Toluwa Sotonye making their debuts and settling into life with the senior team.
And the games with Andorra will potentially see yet another promising debutant in Russell Goldstein, who has progressed through the England Development Squad in recent years.
The last time England played Andorra in Loughborough in 2010, England cruised to a 3-1 and 5-0 victory. This weekend may not see quite as comfortable a ride for the England players, but the Lions will be hoping to end their preparation for the Euros with some festive joy.
The squad
1. James Dalton - Baku United Futsal Club
2. Ben Mortlock - Sheffield Futsal Club
3. Agon Rexha - Baku United Futsal Club
4. Richard Ward - Sheffield Futsal Club
5. George Nash - Bristol City Futsal Club
6. Ian Parkes - Bristol City Futsal Club
7. David Jennings - West London Futsal Club
8. Luke Ballinger - Bristol City Futsal Club
9. Will Rooke - Loughborough Students Futsal
10. James Webb - Loughborough Students Futsal
11. Toluwa Sotonye - Reading Futsal Club
12. Stuart Cook - Manchester Futsal Club
13. Jordan Parker - Manchester Futsal Club
14. Russell Goldstein - Loughborough Students Futsal
