Keeley seeks revenge

Four Team International Tournament
Tuesday 19 December - Friday 22 December 2006
National Cycling Centre, Manchester

England will be hoping to go one step further when they travel to Manchester next week for the Four Team International Tournament.

The Three Lions take on Ireland, Spain and Italy at the National Cycling Centre in Eastlands with memories of last year's final defeat still fresh in the memory.

Graham Keeley’s young squad will be hoping to avenge that defeat against Spain when they meet on Wednesday at 6pm. The hosts will also face the Republic of Ireland and newcomers Italy over the four-day tournament, which begins on Tuesday.

England are currently ranked sixth in the world and come into the event with a mixture of experience and youth.

Sighted 'keepers Janaid Khan and Ian Mackie make their debuts along with outfield player and Accrington boy Chris Nolan. Captain Steve Daley, who scored six goals last year, extends his run of 48 caps and plays alongside the star of last year’s tournament, Everton player Andrew Lang.

The Republic of Ireland, who are ranked 13th in the world, will offer stiff opposition, in particular from youngster Patrick Coates who gave defences a real headache last time out.

Although new to the tournament, Italy are ranked seventh in the world and will also put up a good fight. However, it is the defending champions Spain who will once again be the team to watch with marksman Luis Diaz Granizo, who top scored in 2005, the danger man.

The event, where entry is free, is a precursor to the Super Six series, where six major events are being staged in England over the next six years in the lead up to the Paralympics.

Partially Sighted football is played indoors on a Futsal court and with some minor adaptations to aid the players' impairments. The game is fast and furious and the level of competition is expected to be exceptionally high.

Tournament schedule:-

Tuesday 19 December
6pm England v Republic of Ireland
8pm Italy v Spain

Wednesday 20 December
6pm England v Spain
8pm Republic of Ireland v Italy

Thursday 21 December
6pm England v Italy
8pm Spain v Republic of Ireland

Friday 22 December
9.30am Third place play-off
11.30am Final

England squad: