England set for Montaigu opener
Tuesday, 19 April, 2011
It's an interesting day for Diego Poyet, as U16s face Uruguay.
England U16s are back in action on Wednesday, when they play their opening game of the Montaigu Tournament in western France.
Kenny Swain’s side enter the competition every year and have enjoyed a modicum of success in recent seasons, winning the title in 2008 and 2009 and finishing as runners-up to Portugal last year.
The Young Lions take on Uruguay in their first match and will have victory fresh in their minds after success in the Sky Sports Victory Shield last month.
Swain’s squad is made up of players who have featured in the Victory Shield this season so they will be hopeful of enjoying a worthwhile trip, which also features matches with UAE and Guinea, who were late replacements for Ivory Coast in the competition.
Wednesday’s game will also be an interesting one for England and Charlton midfielder Diego Poyet, whose father Gustavo, now Brighton & Hove Albion manager of course, played 26 times for Uruguay and helped them to win the Copa America in 1995.
England will play a further three games in the competition over the next five days, making it a worthwhile experience of tournament football on the road for the players.