Before their attention turns to Faro, the likes of Michael Owen and Paul Scholes will have their sights set on getting through to the quarter-finals of The FA Cup this weekend.

One other relatively unknown member of the England set-up will have his mind on reaching the last eight of non-League’s prestigious equivalent - The FA Trophy, in partnership with Carlsberg.

Before Rod Thornley’s focus turns to preparing the players for their first international of the year as an England masseur, he will be hoping to help get Altrincham into the next stage of The FA Trophy.

The 26-year-old striker is in his third season with the Unibond Premier Division side and is desperate for the club to relive their past FA Trophy glories in their centenary season.

They are just four games away from reaching the final for the fourth time – but first, they must overcome the might of Conference giants Shrewsbury Town, enjoying their first season in the competition following League relegation.

Rod, who made his comeback from a knee operation in December to feature in a 2-0 victory over Steve Claridge’s Weymouth to get them to the Fifth Round this Saturday, is hoping they can defy the odds.

He said: ‘We are going into it hoping that Shrewsbury think we are another team from a lower league. Our manager has done his homework and knows what to expect – and hopefully they won’t.

"Our preparation will be second to none. There is no doubt though that they have got skills all over the park and are a really strong, professional team."

It will also be a taste of things to come should Altrincham fulfil their season’s ambition of getting into the Conference North.

Rod, captain last season, said: "Our main ambition this season is to get into the top 13, so we can get into the Conference North. At the moment, we are there or thereabouts, but two bad games and we could be in the relegation zone."

A good run in The FA Trophy would be a massive bonus, not least from a financial point of view. With this season’s substantial increase to the prize fund by The FA, the club has already netted £13,800 and could win a further £79,000 if it lifts the cup.

Memories of twice winning The FA Trophy are treasured at Altrincham – not least by manager Graham Heathcote, who picked up a winners' medal in the 1978 Final at Wembley.

Rod said: "The lads are massively up for the game. We are desperate to play it. It’s The FA Trophy and, more than anything, they want to go and play in a big final at one of the biggest grounds in the country.

"The fans still go on about those finals at Wembley and are desperate to get that far again. It would be absolutely amazing to do it this year, because it’s the club’s centenary season."

Win, lose or draw, Rod will be packing his bags for Faro on Sunday. He is one of three masseurs for the national side and, as part of the medical squad, plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

Rod, who is also a masseur for Manchester United, said: "I’ve been with England since 2001. It’s a massive honour and a dream job.

"My job is to massage the players to recover from games or to prepare for games, and to massage as part of treatments to help them overcome injury."

His highlight was going out to Japan for the World Cup and, in particular, England’s famous victory over Argentina.

He said: "It was an unbelievable experience. It was the hardest six weeks of my life, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world."

The England players take a keen interest in how Rod and Altrincham are getting on – and have even been know to find out results for him when he has been away with them in camp.

Rod said: "I just hope Saturday’s game doesn’t end as a draw, because I would miss the replay on Tuesday night!"

He is relishing the chance to return to Portugal for the European Championship Finals this summer.

And he hopes that when England fly out to Sweden for their next friendly on 31 March, Altrincham will be just one step away from Villa Park - and fulfilling the dream of winning The FA Trophy for a record-equalling third time.