Futsal team in Loughborough for double-header with Andorra this weekend.
England v Andorra
Futsal International
7.30pm Friday 12 & 7pm Saturday 13 November 2010
Sir David Wallace Building, Loughborough University
Click here for fixtures
The England men’s national Futsal team will hone their final preparations for the UEFA European Futsal Championship Qualifiers in January, by playing two back-to-back international matches against Andorra at Loughborough University later this week in what will be the last competitive games that the England squad plays before embarking on their European quest.
Andorra will not be an easy match for the English team though, they are ranked over 25 places higher than England in the FIFA World Rankings and they should prove a formidable challenge for the England players.
However, the England squad has had a positive 18 months, with some exceptional performances and results and on home turf, this match promises to be a tight affair as the England team will be keen to finish their preparations for the European Championship on a high note.
The UEFA European Futsal Championship Qualifiers will see England travel to Macedonia at the end of January 2011, where along with the hosts they will also face Estonia and Georgia. This will be a challenging group for England, but the squad are confident of qualifying and progressing.
“The England Futsal squad has had an impressive two years, learning and developing significantly since the last UEFA European Championships in 2008," said Simon Walker, The FA's National Manager for Small Sided Football.
"Pete Sturgess (England Head Coach) has done a fantastic job in identifying and nurturing young talented players that can compete on the international stage and England’s recent performances are promising.
"There is a quiet confidence surrounding the squad for the trip to Macedonia in January and our chances of qualifying to the next stages. But first, the England squad needs to overcome a strong Andorran team, who will pose significant challenges. It promises to be an exciting contest.”
The FA are hoping for a large local crowd to come and support England in both matches. Both matches will be played at Loughborough University, with tickets costing £2.50 for children and students and £4 for adults. Kick-off on Friday 12 November is 7:30pm and on Saturday 13 November is 7pm. Spectators will also be entered into a raffle for the chance of winning a number of England vs France tickets being played at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 17 November.
For more details, you can book online by clicking here or through Loughborough University Futsal Club or Student Union.