U's defender Dan Gleeson has been called up to the England C squad for the final of the International Challenge Trophy v Belgium, which takes place at Oxford United on May 19th (kick off 7.45pm).
Managed by former Barnet boss Paul Fairclough, the squad is made up of players from Conference level and below, with England C booking their place in this year's ICT Final as Group A winners following victories over Wales and Finland plus a draw against Italy.
It's been a busy 12 months for England C with the team not only winning the 2008 Four Nations tournament but also taking part in a Caribbean tour, which featured community coaching sessions and friendlies against Grenada and Barbados. Dan and team-mate Wayne Hatswell, who captained the side, took part in both the Four Nations and the tour.
Paul Fairclough commented: "I've been very impressed with the type of players that have been involved with England C - not just as players but as people.
"I've been involved a number of times now as manager and when the players wear that England tracksuit for the first time you can see them grow as footballers. They look taller and stronger and it definitely has an impact on them.
"The Three Lions is an emotional thing to a lot of these young players so it's great that they acknowledge what this team is all about and the pride is fantastic."
Fairclough admits that Belgium will be a tough prospect for his young side: "They're going to be a very, very strong team. Belgium have got to the final and they're going to want to win it, so we're expecting a real quality side.
"But we try to get our squad to play without a handbrake and express themselves, so if people want to watch real national pride then Oxford is going to be the place to be on 19th May."
Ticket prices for the big game are £5 for adults and £1 for concessions, while FA Charter Standard youth clubs will be able to claim up to 30 free tickets and parties over 15 can see the game for just 50p.
The Squad:
Lance CRONIN - Ebbsfleet United FC
Adam BARTLETT - Kidderminster Harriers FC
Daniel GLEESON - Cambridge United FC
Exodus GEOHAGHAN - Kettering Town FC
Darius CHARLES - Ebbsfleet United FC
Ronnie HENRY - Stevenage Borough FC
Scott LAIRD - Stevenage Borough FC
Russell PENN - Kidderminster Harriers FC
Michael BOSTWICK - Stevenage Borough FC
Lee TOMLIN - Rushden & Diamonds FC
Josh SIMPSON - Histon FC
James CONSTABLE - Oxford United FC
Mitchell COLE - Stevenage Borough FC
Paul CLAYTON - Alfreton Town FC
Liam HEARN - Alfreton Town FC
Nicky WROE - Torquay United FC
Details courtesy of www.thefa.com
Make Your Click Count For The U's - talk about it on the Message Board!
You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.
AT090505 web@cambridge-united.co.uk
