England C will be back in action on home soil in May, when they play a landmark friendly game against the Panjab FA in Solihull.
Paul Fairclough’s team, selected from players under 23 who play at clubs below the EFL, will be continuing their preparations for the International Challenge Trophy final against Slovakia this summer.
And this match at the Damson Park will see the Three Lions come up against Panjabi FA, whose manager is former Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic player Reuben Hazell.
Their team is made up of players from Indian and Pakistani descent, who all play at a similar level to Fairclough’s squad and even finished as runners-up at the 2016 CONIFA World Cup.
As well as providing England C with a chance to work together ahead of the ICT Final, the game is also about celebrating inclusion, diversity and player opportunity for Asian football as a whole.
“Enabling talented players from every diverse community to play in a match like this just one of the ways we hope to make football truly a game for all,” said Laurence Jones, The FA’s Head of Leagues and Clubs.
“Working with Solihull Moors and Panjab FA we hope this is a well-competed game, a family-friendly spectacle and something fans will remember for a long time.”
Panjab FA chairman Harpreet Singh added: “The moment has come to celebrate a grand fixture for Panjab against England C.
“From the very first day, the objective of Panjab FA was to provide the canvas for the talents of the Panjabi community and British Asian footballers to progress through the football pyramid.
“It’s also a proud moment for me, as a Panjabi, to promote the culture, heritage and identity.
“I want to take this opportunity to reach out to the whole Panjabi and the wider Asian community; the media and public figures to come together and celebrate this new evolution in football.”
The game will take place on Sunday 28 May, kicking-off at 3pm and ticket details will be available in due course.
