Lincoln's England date
Tuesday, 25 November, 2008
Kenny Swain's side will contest the first England international at Sincil Bank for over 50 years.
England U16 v Scotland U16
Sky Sports Victory Shield
7.40pm, Friday 28 November 2008
Sincil Bank, Lincoln City FC
Click here for full tournament details
Lincoln City's Sincil Bank Stadium will host its first England international for over 50 years when Kenny Swain's U16 side take on Scotland on Friday.
The home of The Red Imps staged last season's FA Women's Cup Semi-Final, when 2,974 fans watched Arsenal defeat Lincoln, but Friday's Victory Shield encounter will end Sincil Bank's 55-year wait to welcome an England team back through their doors and into one of the oldest grounds in the Football League.
The last England side to play at Sincil Bank was England Amateurs who beat Northern Ireland there 4-1 in 1953.
A draw will be enough for England to retain the Victory Shield for the seventh successive season after wins over Northern Ireland and Wales in their first two matches, though Swain is more concerned with long-term development.
"It's always nice to win," he admits, "but the most important thing is that these players continue to improve.
"We’re always looking to change the team around a little and give some playing opportunities to as many youngsters as possible.
"This level of football is all about development, so it will be a great experience for our squad to play in front of a big crowd at Lincoln City."