Five get first call-up

Five new players have been called up for England National Game XI’s forthcoming clash with Italy at Cambridge United on 15 February.

Manager Paul Fairclough has selected three players who have enjoyed high profile FA Cup runs this season with their respective clubs.

Burton Albion forward Jon Shaw and defender Ryan Austin (pictured) have been selected along with Tamworth defender David Bampton. In addition, midfielder Gary Roberts of Accrington Stanley, fresh from scoring two goals on Monday night in their 3-1 win at Exeter, has been selected for the first time as well as Southport midfielder Carl Baker.

The fixture at The Abbey Stadium is the second game for both sides in the inaugural European Challenge Trophy, which also features representative sides from Belgium and Holland.

Eight of the squad, all of whom are under-23, represented England in the last international, a 2-0 win over Belgium last November. One of the scorers that night, York’s Andy Bishop, is included again after continuing to bang in the goals for York City this season.

He has 11 goals so far as he tries to help his side get into a Conference National Play-Off spot.

Morecambe’s David Perkins is once again selected and will be the most senior member of the team, having won eight caps so far, the last one as captain against Belgium.

Five of the squad will be in action this weekend in The FA Trophy. Ian Craney and Roberts of Accrington, Paul Jones of Exeter, Bampton of Tamworth, Shwan Jalal of Woking and Tamike Mkandwire will be hoping to progress to the quarter-finals.