England C head coach Paul Fairclough has been able to use the state-of-the-art training facilities at St George’s Park for the first time as he prepares his squad for their crucial Challenge Trophy Group A clash against Turkey. On the back of the summer’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, England know they need to come away from Turkey with a victory if they are going to maintain their place in the tournament, with England C then set to face Estonia in November.
Made up of players competing outside of the Football League (which you can follow and receive all the latest news and updates at bluesq.com), England C have now officially been made a part of Club England – opening the door for the squad to use the country’s £105m national football center – and Fairclough has admitted he still has plenty to think about before the trip to Turkey.
“I’m not closing the door on anyone because we’ve still got a few weeks before the Turkey game. The lads who have been selected are in pole position. We’ve got to be sensitive to the needs of the clubs. The boys will come to us off the back of a very fierce league game.”
Bristol Rovers duo Lee Brown and Tom Parkes have been named in the squad for the match at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium in Istanbul on October 14th. Both players are now expected to miss the trip to Aldershot in order to participate in the England C clash, although the twosome are due back at their club for the game against Forest Green on October 18. Both Brown and Parkes have been stand-outs in the Rovers team under Darrell Clarke this season, playing key roles in Rovers run of five wins in six games to leave the club sixth in the Conference and still very much in touch with league leaders Barnet.