Taking on leading youth teams from all over the world forms a key part of any youth player’s development, according to Aidy Boothroyd.
The England Under-20s boss is preparing his side to take on Mexico – tipped by many to lift the FIFA U20 World Cup later this year – at The Hive in Barnet on Wednesday evening.
England v Mexico
U20 International Match
7.45pm, Wednesday 25 March 2015
The Hive, Barnet FC
Call 0208 381 3800 for tickets
And despite the calibre of opposition that awaits his side, Boothroyd says they are ready for the test.
“They’re the CONCACAF champions and they’re going to be really difficult – and they’re favourites for the FIFA U20 World Cup – but we think we need to test ourselves,” he said.
“It’s something we should thrive on and really look forward to.”
The game against Mexico is the first part of a double-header for the U20s.
Following Wednesday night’s game they travel to Plymouth to take on USA on Sunday.
Video highlights of Aidy Boothroyd's side in action against Canada in November
And both opponents have been carefully selected with development at the forefront of everybody’s minds.
“We wanted from the start to give the boys a ‘global’ education,” he explained.
“We’ve played against Canada and against top European teams.
“Now we’re playing against a Mexico team that although officially is in North American, also has a South American vibe to it.
“They’re a real mixture of the toughness of the North Americans, but also have the guile, technical ability and teamwork that you’d associate with a South American side.”
Boothroyd named his 22-man squad for the double-header with a number of new faces included.
There was a first England call-up at any level for Brentford defender Moses Odubajo, who has impressed with his form for the Championship side this season and also for Derby County's versatile midfielder Jamie Hanson.
England v USA
U20 International Match
3pm, Sunday 29 March 2015
Home Park, Plymouth Argyle FC
Call 0845 872 3335 for tickets
And there were seven players named in an U20s squad for the first time, after previously being capped at U19 level.
Boothroyd explained some of the thinking behind his latest selection.
He said: “We’ve got a few older players as well that we’re looking at for Gareth – whether it be for the European Championships or for Toulon – it’s two very tough competitions.
“The more competitive tournament football we can get our players, the better prepared they are going to be for if and when they step up to the senior team.”
Squad to face Mexico and USA
Goalkeepers: Christian Walton (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jordan Pickford (Sunderland)
Defenders: Dominic Iorfa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Moses Odubajo (Brentford), Dominic Ball (Cambridge United - loan from Spurs), Baily Cargill (AFC Bournemouth), Kortney Hause (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jordan Turnbull (Swindon Town - loan from Southampton), Harry Toffolo (Swindon Town - loan from Norwich City)
Midfielders: Harrison Reed (Southampton), Jack Barmby (Leicester City), Jack Stephens (Swindon Town - loan from Southampton), Jamie Hanson (Derby County), Lewis Baker (MK Dons - loan from Chelsea), Matty Grimes (Swansea City), Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest), Alex Mowatt (Leeds United), John Swift (Swindon Town - loan from Chelsea)
Forwards: Callum Robinson (Preston North End - loan from Aston Villa), Chuba Akpom (Arsenal), Kwame Thomas (Derby County)
