Three Lions to tune up ahead of new season at Asia Trophy

Thursday 09 Jul 2015
Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are in the Arsenal squad for the Asia Trophy
A number of England stars and youngsters will be appearing in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore next week.

Premier League clubs Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City will all travel to the Far East this weekend for the pre-season competition, which also features a Singapore XI.

And the Three Lions will be well-represented, with Arsenal naming Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in their travelling party, although Danny Welbeck will stay home for treatment on a knee injury.

England U17s and Arsenal forward Chris Willock in action against Norway in Burton.

England youngster Chris Willock is included in the Arsenal squad for the trip to Singapore

They are joined in Arsene Wenger’s squad by Under-21s defender Calum Chambers, U20s striker Chuba Akpom and U17s pair Chris Willock and Dan Crowley.

"Calum has decided to shorten his holiday and come back on Friday," revealed Wenger. "He didn't play in the U21s and needs preparations with us.

"Welbeck isn't completely recovered from the problem he had [at the end of last season]. He's not back in full training so he will stay behind."

Everton also include a strong English backbone in their squad, with defenders Phil Jagielka and John Stones and midfielders Ross Barkley and summer signing Tom Cleverley all travelling.

John Stones on the ball for England at Barnsley

John Stones will be involved in the Asia Trophy with Everton

U21s left-back Luke Garbutt, who recently signed a new contract at Goodison Park after featuring for England at the U21 Euros, is involved along with former U20s defender Tyias Browning and U19s ace Brendan Galloway.

England goalkeeper Jack Butland will be looking to stake his claim for the number No1 at Stoke City this season and he is joined on the plane to Singapore by defender Ryan Shawcross, who was last capped by the Three Lions in November 2012.

The Asia Trophy starts on Wednesday when Everton and Stoke meet, while Arsenal face the local side first. The winners and losers of both games will then face-off next Saturday in the final match of the annual competition.

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels