Hatters duo Simon Ainge and Andre Gray were both in the England C starting line-up for the International Challenge Trophy semi-final against Turkey at Dartford FC this evening, writes Mike Simmonds.
Speaking before the game, Three Lions boss Paul Fairclough told the FA’s official website: We have kept the nucleus of the squad that was successful against Belgium, but we have added a few players who are in good form at the moment and I think this squad is as good as it has ever been.
“Hopefully we can get the right result and make it through to the final.
“Every game is like a cup final for this England C team because of the level of opposition we are coming up against.
“This is a really tough competition. We are not facing semi-professional players from other countries, we are facing their ‘B’ teams or their Under-21 sides.
“The Turkey squad we will face is essentially their Under-23 squad so we know it’s going to be a really good challenge.
“I have watched their last two games and I have been impressed with what I’ve seen.
“They are a very, very good technical team and their shape is really interesting. It will give our players experience of coming up against a different formation and style of play than maybe they have faced in the past.
“However, I know I have got a very good group of players to call upon and I’m sure they will give a very good account of themselves.”
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