Receiving their first call-ups are Worcester City goalkeeper Danny McDonnell, Ian Hendon, Phil Bolland, Sam Aiston, Paul Carden, Steve Guinan and Guiliano Grazioli.

Newly crowned Conference champions Chester City contribute four players, whilst runners-up Hereford United have two players in the squad, and two more players in the contingency squad, due reward for a season of first class consistency.

Joining the new boys are players like Danny Collins, David Perkins, Luke Rodgers and Roscoe D’Sane who have all become reliable stalwarts under Fairclough, with D’Sane having captained the Under-23 side against Belgium and Italy earlier this season.

Looking ahead to the tournament which kicks off on Tuesday 18th May, Fairclough said:

“I have picked a squad which I think is very well balanced for the demands of three games in six days. Last year the intensity of the games surprised me a little, and we know that this year each of the countries will offer a slightly different challenge.

“Scotland were very lively and the most passionate side we faced in Wales last year. With home support, and having held us to a draw last time, they will be a very tough proposition.

“Wales were a very big, physical side, but they also get the ball down and play. With a new management team, they’ll be looking to reproduce the form that saw them win the tournament in England in 2002.

“Ireland were the youngest side on average last year but they too tried to play the game on the floor, and as we face them in our opening game, I don’t expect them to lie down.”

Fairclough has identified a need for midfield steel that has earned call-ups for Darren Stride and Paul Carden, with Stride coming back into the squad for the first time, since John Owens’ managerial reign.

They will be joined by Scott Kerr who was prevented from making his England debut against Italy through injury, and James Coppinger who was also ruled out in the build-up to the Italy defeat.

Versatility is another buzzword under Fairclough, whilst goals should not be in short supply, with five players sharing 90 league goals between them this term, including 12 from Aldershot midfielder Jon Challinor.

For those players who have not made it into the squad or the contingency squad, Fairclough issued the following advice:

“Every weekend we have a team of scouts who are looking at players around the country, and not just in the Conference.

“John Barton, the Worcester City Manager has been talking about Danny McDonnell since I first came into the job, and through John’s insistence and Danny’s consistency, the lad is getting his chance.

“When Wayne Brown got injured at Chester [which was a big blow], we needed to look at bringing in another ‘keeper, and after having him watched a number of times, Steve Avory and I felt Danny deserved a chance to impress.

“In the contingency squad we have selected players in the main who have played in the Under-23 internationals and not let me down at all.

“We are looking for a combination of physical and mental toughness in our players, consistency in form [which is where someone like Andy Tretton at Hereford has deserved to be considered] and the ability to do something special. Andy Ducros at Burton has played league football and is very lively, whilst Jake Sedgemore at Shrewsbury Town is another player who is a real ‘character’ but a consummate professional.

“With still games to be played in the league this season, any of these players could find themselves called-up, and I’m confident that none of them would let me down.”

England start their defence of the Four Nations against Republic of Ireland at Deveronvale FC (7.45pm), followed by Wales on Thursday 20th May at Keith FC (7.45pm) and Scotland on Sunday 23rd (3.30pm).

They then travel to the USA, to play the United States on Wednesday June 9th.

Reports of all these games will be available at: TheFA.com

England Squad:

Matt Baker (Hereford United), Danny McDonnell (Worcester City), Ian Hendon (Barnet), Michael Rose (Hereford United), David Perkins (Morecambe), Phil Bolland, Scott Guyett, Danny Collins, Paul Carden (all Chester City), James Coppinger (Exeter City), Darren Stride (Burton Albion), Scott Kerr (Scarborough), Jon Challinor (Aldershot), Sam Aiston, Luke Rodgers (both Shrewsbury Town), Steve Guinan (Hereford United), Roscoe D’Sane (Aldershot), Guiliano Grazioli (Barnet)

Contingency Squad:

Jon Kennedy, Peter Cavanagh (both Accrington), Andy Tretton, Rob Purdie (both Hereford), Jon Kennedy, Lee Boylan (both Canvey), Jon Boardman (Woking), Jake Sedgemore (Shrewsbury), Gareth Sheldon (Exeter), Sam Ricketts (Telford), Adam Miller and Tim Sills (both Aldershot), Andy Ducros (Burton),