Now, due to a restructuring of the international age ranges, the youngest age-group is the Under 16, rather than the Under 15s.

The team, coached by John McDermott, has a large pool of around 40 schoolboy players, who over the course of the year will gain varied playing and training experiences in an international environment as they develop their skills.

"What we want to do is put together a programme for the full year so all the boys will get their fair share of international football. It's like a year strategy within an 8-year programme for all of these kids, and it's not about picking the best sides," said McDermott.

"It's just trying to make sure that all 35-40 boys that are in the system have had a cross section of experiences and then we'll make a judgement at the end of the year and possibly filter the squad down,

"But even at the end of the year if the squad is filtered, boys will come back. there is such a wide range of physical specimens some boys will develop a little bit later."

The season usually begins in October for the Under 16s as the face the home countries of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the Victory Shield which runs until the end of November, between which a one-week 4-nations tournament is played, this year with Spain, Holland and Germany. Then, in the second half of the season, two more International friendly tournaments are played.

Click here for a full fixture list

John is assisted with the side by a number of coaches, medical and administration staff that help make the team as professional as the Senior side and underlines The FA's commitment to the future of English football.

England Under 16 Staff

Coaching Staff
National Coach: John McDermott
Assistant Coach: Nigel Pearson
GK Coach: Tony Parks

Medical Staff
Doctor: John Tose / Dané Oosthuizen
Physiotherapist: Simon Maltby
Exercise Scientist: Sam Erith

If you are interested in going to watch the Under 16s play, click here for ticket details for forthcoming home fixtures