England C get set for Wales showdown after Manchester United visit

England C v Cymru C

Altrincham 

Tonight 7.45pm

By Matt Badcock

England C boss Paul Fairclough says he’s looking forward to Non-League’s Three Lions taking to the pitch more than ever – after a surprise morning training session at Manchester United!

England take on Cymru C at Altrincham this evening looking to avenge last season’s 4-0 defeat.

Solihull Moors midfielder Joe Sbarra is the only player in the 16-man squad who played in that game and has a cap.

The rest are all in line to make their debuts and the long-serving head coach can’t wait for the game to get underway.

“I am excited as I’ve ever been,” Fairclough told The NLP. “I am getting that from the group.

“I feel confident with the group and really looking forward to kick-off time. We’ve got a little bit more work to do first but I am really looking forward to the game.”

The squad met up at their team hotel on Sunday afternoon to start ramping up preparations.

There were four late changes with Notts County’s Macaulay Langstaff withdrawn as a precaution, while Wrexham striker Sam Dalby had a sickness bug that meant he only played a few minutes at the weekend.

Oldham Athletic goalkeeper Magnus Norman picked up an injury before the weekend, while Chesterfield’s Darren Oldaker also misses out.

Worthing goalkeeper Harrison Male, Oldham forward Joe Nuttall, Bromley’s James Vennings and York’s Olly Dyson have all been called-up.

And Fairclough says he can see the opportunity to represent their country is inspiring the group. 

“You can see they’ve taken that on board,” Fairclough said. “I’ve spoken to the players who aren’t starting tonight. It’s not something you can sugarcoat but they probably know, historically, my philosophy is to get them all on the pitch at some stage.

“But from what they’ve all been doing up here, they’re going to fully deserve the England cap and the England shirt.

“Time is short with them. Every single camp I go to, I enjoy. Last year’s camp was great, just up until they went across the white line and it went wrong.

“But I have the same buzz this time working with this group. It keeps me on my toes as well because it is a completely new 16 apart from Joe (Sbarra). 

“So it’s 16 new players to work with. I’ve had to be cuter than what I normally would and getting to know how individuals work. It’s been challenging. But a great challenge. They’ve all responded really well.”

No least on Tuesday morning when the players enjoyed a light session at Premier League Manchester United’s Carrington training base.

“We didn’t tell the players about it,” Fairclough said. “We didn’t want them to lose sight of what they’re all about so it was a surprise trip this morning.

“Obviously we needed somewhere to train and we managed to pull that one off. It was a great surprise for the players to pull up at Manchester United’s training ground.

“I remember reading (Altrincham defender) Lewis Baines say he was treated like royalty last year when he came with the England C squad. That’s just another thing we can do add to it with this group. 

“They’ve been treated like royalty. The icing on the cake will be the result tonight but to have an event like going to Manchester United’s training ground is fantastic for these young players. And it gives them something to aspire to as well.”