Both sides have made 100 per cent starts to European Under-21 Championship qualifying, although Wales have played just one game compared to England's two.

And while the England team is packed with established Premiership names such as Carlton Cole, James Milner and Glen Johnson, the Welsh selectors have a much smaller pool to choose from.

Blackmore knows that makes England the hot favourites to win, but is adamant the young Welsh players will not roll over.

"The Under-21 match is a massive one for Wales and will provide a great learning curve for us," he said.

"I think the England selectors have 33 Premiership players to choose from whereas we have a lad at Shrewsbury, a lad at Cardiff and a lad at Notts County and most of the rest struggling even to play reserve team games.

"It is obvious that we will be outgunned in terms of experience, but it is 11 versus 11 out on the pitch and we will put everything into it."

Both the Under-21 game and the senior clash at Old Trafford will attract plenty of interest as Wales and England renew their rivalry for the first time in more than 20 years.

And Blackmore, who won 39 caps for Wales as well as enjoying a distinguished career at Manchester United, admits he is sorry he never got to play against the Three Lions.

"I am just upset that I never got to play against England. I had a good record against them as a Welsh schoolboy and for the junior teams, but we never got drawn with them while I was playing for the full national team.

"We never even got to play a friendly against them, so I am a bit jealous of these boys now."


WATCH ENGLAND U21s v WALES AT EWOOD PARK

If you would like to go to Ewood Park to watch the Under 21s in action, tickets are still available. Call the Blackburn Rovers ticket hotline on 08701 123456.

Tickets are priced at £10 for Adults, Under 16s & OAPS are £5.