Kidderminster man Croasdale delighted with England C call up

(Picture: David Loveday)
By Matt Badcock

RYAN CROASDALE says competition to make England C’s International Challenge Trophy Final squad is high.

The Kidderminster Harriers midfielder was one of 22 players at the Three Lions’ three-day training camp at Lilleshall this week.

But boss Paul Fairclough can only take 16 with him to Slovakia for the big final next month – and he hasn’t ruled out new faces either.

Croasdale won his first England C cap against Panjab FA at the end of last season and impressed again for an FA Rep XI against Jersey FA.

He hopes he’s done enough to make the cut, but knows boss Fairclough has some tough choices.

“It’s been good, it was nice to get called up again,” Croasdale said. “It’s a new group from last time, but a lot of good players and the tempo in training was high. I enjoyed it.

“It’s been tough in training. There are 22 players here competing for 16 shirts so training has reflected that.

“It shows how many good players there are in Non-League. It’s a new batch and it’s been like it is at pro clubs. Hopefully I can get the call-up.”

See Sunday’s @NonLeaguePaper for Croasdale’s thoughts on Kiddy’s season so far and more England C reaction.