Photo courtesy of Pinnacle/The FA
PAUL FAIRCLOUGH is looking for his players to shine against Jordan Under-23s today and grab their place for England C's next competitive game in Slovakia.
Fairclough has made the most of a steady build-up to England's opening International Challenge Trophy group game in May.
Friendly matches in Latvia and at home to Czech Republic earlier this season has allowed the national boss to cast his eye over the cream of young English Non-League footballers.
Now it's down to the business end with one last game before the squad is announced to travel away after the league season.
And Fairclough says there will be no excuses for not getting off to a flyer when they take on Slovakia.
“It's exciting now on all fronts,” he said. “We've been fortunate enough to have all these games before we start the tournament so we'll have no excuse not to hit the ground running.
“We've seen quite a few players over this period of time. These players need to do well tonight. A few have been with us before and we're having a second look at them.
“There are five new caps tonight too, so it's a big night for everyone. It's all about the game coming up against Slovakia so we need a good performance.
“This is the chance for the players to book their place and be involved in May.”
Fairclough also praised his players for their approach since meeting up with each other at Heathrow on Saturday evening.
He added: “They've been great. It was a long journey but the weather's been great. It's a good opportunity for the players to have that little break. The lads back home at the moment will be turning up in frosty conditions.
“Our players are getting lots of Vitamin D in their bodies without taking supplements. It's just a lovely environment for
them to be playing and training in. It's been great for them.
“I expect to see a different style of football tonight. The Latvians were all about hustle and bustle, the Czech Republic
wanted to play football and tonight is an unknown for us.
“If we're to go by the players we had with us in training yesterday I would imagine they will be quite technical. Talking to one of their officials they model their game on the British game.
“It will be interesting to see what we come up against. We'll know in the first five minutes.”
Keep an eye on The NLP website this afternoon for team news ahead of the game. Kick-off is 3pm UK time – follow @MattBadcock_NLP for updates.
