England C to play Hungary
Friday, 21 August, 2009
Paul Fairclough's men to play in Budapest next month.
England C will face a Hungary side in their first game of the season in Budapest on Tuesday 15 September, in what will be excellent preparation prior to this Autumn’s International Challenge Trophy qualifying games.
A number of regulars will now be over the age limit for the European tournament so this game will be an excellent opportunity for some to stake a claim for the future.
Commenting on the fixture, Manager Paul Fairclough told TheFA.Com: "It is a great honour that the England C team have been invited to play Hungary in Budapest.
“Ferenc Puskas, the legendary captain of the national side, immediately springs to my mind. He was the Maradona-type figure of his time; he was short, stocky, barrel-chested and amazingly skilful.
“The team will be based at the National Training Centre at.Tekli in preparation for the game and Hungary are added to our ever growing list of international opponents and provides further exposure to yet another style of football.
“In recent years our players have been given rich experiences against diverse opposition such as Grenada and Bosnia-Herzegovina. To play against Hungary will, I am sure, further enhance our experiences in the beautiful game.”
England missed out on glory in the International Challenge Trophy earlier this year, so Fairclough must now build his side up for the new campaign over the next two seasons and this game allows him to start the planning.
“The fixture provides me with an opportunity to prepare for the forthcoming ICT qualifying fixtures,” he added.
“Having narrowly lost in the Final to Belgium in May, it is important that we use this fixture in Budapest as a platform for the new challenge ahead.
“Consequently, as against Malta and Bosnia, I will use this game to work with some of the new emerging talent who have come to our notice in the early part of this season.
“Some players will receive their first Cap and be given an opportunity to challenge for a place with more established international players.
Hungary is a mouth watering prospect which we will all be very proud to embrace."
You can follow the fortunes of England C on TheFA.Com