Youngsters look to Bloom

England v Northern Ireland
Sky Sports Victory Shield
7.45pm, Thursday 11 October 2007
Blackpool FC, Bloomfield Road
Ticket Hotline 0870 443 1953 (option 1).

International football will be coming to Blackpool's Bloomfield Road next month when England U16s begin the defence of their Sky Sports Victory Shield title against Northern Ireland.

The Home Nations tournament also features Wales and Scotland and England coach, Kenny Swain, will be hoping that his side can avenge last season’s 1-0 defeat against the Northern Irish in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

 “The tournament is a great little introduction to international football for our up and coming players and the Home Nations rivalry gives the games a bit more edge as well which is a great experience for everyone involved," he said.

“Scotland are probably the strongest side traditionally but everyone poses a threat at this level so we’re looking forward to a good open competition,” said Swain who won the European Cup with Aston Villa in 1982 and played under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest.

England U16s finished off last season with a memorable 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley Stadium in front of 30,000 fans and Swain is looking for the Young Lions to build on that experience when the Sky Sports Victory Shield kicks off in Blackpool: “It was a massive bonus to play at Wembley and gave everyone an incentive to go out and do well.

“We’re constantly looking at different players for this age group as it’s important to assess the depth of talent in our ranks.

“We go into every game wanting to win but performance and recognising potential is just as vital.”

England’s competition campaign continues against Wales at AFC Telford on November 2 before concluding with a trip to Falkirk to face Scotland on November 29.

Tickets for the Northern Ireland game cost just £3 in advance (£5 on the night) for adults and £1 for concessions by contacting 0870 443 1953 and choosing Option 1 while FA Charter Standard clubs and schools in Blackpool and the surrounding areas can access up to 50 free tickets.

England Squad vs Northern Ireland