Jimmy Armfield believes Tom Ince can one day represent England at senior level

Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield believes that Tom Ince has every chance of emulating his famous father Paul and winning full England honours.

Armfield, who won 43 caps and played for England at the 1962 World Cup in Chile, says the Tangerines youngster can only learn from his experience with England Under-21s this week.

He said: “Playing international football is a nice distraction to have from the domestic campaign.

“I’m a big believer that playing for England in the youth age groups and the Under-21s gives you good grounding for the rest of your career and Tom will need that if he’s to follow in Paul’s footsteps.

“Stuart Pearce has done well in charge of the Under-21s and I’m sure Tom will be looking forward to working with him and the team of FA coaches.

“Sometimes it’s nice to hear a different voice in training or practice with players from other clubs as you can learn so much.”

Pearce’s side recently qualified for the 2013 UEFA European Championship in Israel and they conclude a successful twelve months with a friendly against Northern Ireland at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.

Armfield remembers playing an international fixture himself on home soil over 50 years ago.

He recalled: “We used to have a Football League side which played two games a season and I captained them against the League of Ireland at Blackpool in 1960.

“We won 5-2 and it was a good stepping stone for getting yourself noticed for England Under-23s as it was back then or maybe progressing to the senior side under Walter Winterbottom."

Armfield has also given his seal of approval to new Blackpool boss, Michael Appleton: “I think Ian Holloway was fantastic for this club but hopefully Appleton will prove to be a good appointment as well.

“If he manages to mirror Ian’s record at Blackpool then he’ll be very successful indeed.”

England Under-21s Squad in full (click here for profiles)

Goalkeepers
Ben Amos (Hull City - on loan from Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)

Defenders
Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford - on loan from Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Tom Lees (Leeds United), Harry Maguire (Sheffield United), Liam Moore (Leicester City), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Adam Smith (Millwall - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)

Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Will Hughes (Derby County), Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough - on loan from Chelsea), Nick Powell (Manchester United), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards
Benik Afobe (Bolton Wanderers - on loan from Arsenal), Tom Ince (Blackpool), Martyn Waghorn (Leicester City), Connor Wickham (Sunderland)

Fans can get tickets to watch England’s young stars for the terrific price of just £10 for adults, £5 for children and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is only £25.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 0844 847 1953 or online at www.eticketing.co.uk/blackpoolfc

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