Town striker Gray heads to Bermuda

Hatters striker Andre Gray is flying out to Bermuda this week ahead of England C’s international friendly clash taking place on Tuesday, writes Mike Simmonds.
Andre Gray in action for England C. Pic: Pinnacle Photo Agency UKAndre Gray in action for England C. Pic: Pinnacle Photo Agency UK
Andre Gray in action for England C. Pic: Pinnacle Photo Agency UK

The 21-year-old, who scored 20 goals in all competitions for Hatters last season, is expected to win his fourth cap for his country.

Three Lions boss Paul Fairclough has confirmed he will look at some new faces for the match though as he said: “With a number of players now too old for the next International Challenge Trophy, this trip will enable me to look at a few options for the new campaign to see how they fit in with those players still eligible.”

Gray has netted once in his three games so far, a winning strike in Belgium, but this fixture at the National Stadium in Hamilton and will be the first official international meeting between the nations.

A large attendance is expected and the Bermuda FA are delighted to be taking on a country like England.

BFA president Larry Mussenden hopes that the visit will help the development of the game on the Island, saying: “This visit will motivate and inspire our young players on the Island.

“This opportunity will also provide the Bermuda national team players with another platform by which they can measure themselves against the elite players.”

The BFA are also grateful for the generosity of the Bermuda Department of Tourism for their support of this initiative with the England group set to take part in coaching sessions with young players at the National Academy during the trip.

Minister of Tourism Development and Transport, Shawn Crockwell added: “The Bermuda Department of Tourism is thrilled to support the visit of the England C team on their first trip to Bermuda to play against our national team.

Football is one of the few truly global games being played in just about every country in the world, and this exposure on the international scene will help us develop our sports tourism initiatives as well as provide an opportunity for our local players and fans to witness top class football right here at home.”

England C squad: Preston Edwards (Ebbsfleet United), Mitchell Walker (Dover Athletic FC), Daniel Bradley (Alfreton Town FC) Antoni Sarcevic (Chester FC), James Norwood (Forest Green Rovers FC), Christopher Stokes (Forest Green Rovers FC), Joshua Gillies (Gateshead FC), Sam Clucas (Hereford United FC), Michael Demetriou (Kidderminster Harriers FC), Anthony Malbon (Kidderminster Harriers FC), Andre Gray (Luton Town FC), Ryan Jackson (Macclesfield Town FC), Harry Beautyman (Sutton United FC), Anthony Acheampong, Fraser Franks (Welling United).

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