Commenting on the trip, team manager Nick Armitage said "I don’t think that it will sink in with everyone until we are lining up with our opponents in Slovenia next Monday.

"Just winning the FA National League System Cup was unbelievable. It was a fantastic competition with an enormous prize. During the opening rounds we had no idea what it would all lead to and we were certainly not thinking about winning it.

"However, as we progressed our confidence grew and so did our level of performance.

"Once we reached the semi final and travelled down to Cornwall the players were really buzzing and now can’t wait to get down to the real business in Slovenia. We have had a good pre-season and are raring to go".

Rob Goodwin-Davey, the Mid Cheshire League secretary added: "Everyone connected with the League is very proud to be representing England in this competition and hope that the preparation of all concerned is rewarded by the results on the pitch.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these players to shine in an England shirt."

The team begin the competition on Monday afternoon with a match against the hosts Slovenia in Koper. This is followed with matches against Northern Ireland in Dekani on Wednesday followed by a return to Koper next Friday to tackle Malta.

The prize for the group winners is a trip to Bosnia-Herzegovena in November for matches in the Intermediary Round Group 3. There is also scope for the best runner-up in the two Preliminary Round Groups to progress to Group 2 in Croatia next March.

FA Leagues Manager, Mike Appleby is quietly confident of a good performance in Slovenia. He said "The League side are represented by one club, Barnton FC, who have made a good start to the new season, currently heading the table.

"The players are used to playing together and this will be of benefit to them in the matches ahead."

Mid Cheshire Squad

Richard Mottram, David Smith, Maciek Starczewski, Stuart Fraser, Neil Boardman, Stephen Davies, Craig Robinson, Daniel Paget, Jerry Coll, Lee Pennington, Aidan Brodigan, Chris Gahgan, Neil Larkin, David Murray, Neil Critchley, Kevin Towey, Justin Farrelly and Philip Jones.

You can follow the fortunes of the team’s progress on TheFA.com