Squad named for Polish test
By Nicholas Veevers
Monday, 13 February, 2012
Head Coach Noel Blake picks his squad for game at Crewe next month.
Call 01270 252610 for tickets
England U18s Head Coach Noel Blake has picked his squad for next month's international against Poland at Crewe Alexandra's Gresty Road home.
After playing earlier in the season and drawing 1-1 in Slovakia, this will be the Young Lions' first game on home turf this season. With no competition for the U18s to take part in, this team offers a chance for last season's U17s and any newly emerging players to continue their international development ahead of moving up to U19 level later in the year.
Blake has taken the chance to look at several new players too, with West Ham's Daniel Potts, Southampton's Jack Stephens, Coventry City's Jordan Willis, Blackburn Rovers' Jack O'Connell and Plymouth Argyle's Matt Lecointe all receiving their first England call-ups at any level.
There is also added interest for local fans too, with Crewe trio Nick Powell, Max Clayton and Ben Garratt included in the group, whilst the likes of Hallam Hope, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Pickford, John Lundstram, Adam Jackson and Jack Dunn who all played in a World Cup with the U17s are selected.
The two nations last met at U18 level in late-2010 at Wycombe Wanderers' Adams Park, a game which saw a 3-0 victory for England and a debut for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has now graduated to Under-21 level thanks his emergence with Southampton and Arsenal.
The Squad
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford - Darlington (On loan from Sunderland)
Ben Garratt - Crewe Alexandra
Defenders
Adam Jackson - Middlesbrough
Jack Stephens - Southampton
Daniel Potts - West Ham United
Jordan Willis - Coventry City
Jack O'Connell - Blackburn Rovers
Tyler Blackett - Manchester United
Midfielders
Jack Dunn - Liverpool
Jordan Lussey - Liverpool
John Lundstram - Everton
Nick Powell - Crewe Alexandra
Forwards
Hallam Hope - Everton
Jack Barmby - Manchester United
Matt Lecointe - Plymouth Argyle
Max Clayton - Crewe Alexandra
Jordie Hiwula - Manchester City
Ben Osborn - Nottingham Forest*
* Replaces Raheem Sterling - Liverpool
Ticket prices for England U18s are £3 for adults, £1 concessions and available via 01270 252610.