England C will face-off with neighbours Wales for the first time later this year.
Paul Fairclough’s side, made up of U23 players from the National League System, will travel to Jenner Park in Barry on Tuesday 20 March for the game.
And it will be the first time the Red Dragons, whose squad will be selected from players from the League of Wales, have played at ‘C’ level.
They have appointed former Carmarthen Town, Port Talbot Town and Maesteg Park boss Mark Jones as their new manager for the clash and it’s one which Three Lions boss Fairclough is looking forward to.
“Similar to the progress made by the England senior team, Wales too have taken great strides forward,” said the former Barnet and Stevenage manager.
“There is a new generation of younger players both in England and Wales who have experienced, in academies, the emphasis on passing the ball.
“Many of the players who will take part in this auspicious occasion will be eager and keen to express themselves. I am confident this will result in an excellent game of football.”
Jones echoed those sentiments and is sure there the game will be an occasion to remember for both teams.
“I’m very proud and honoured to be appointed to this role,” he said.
“I have been involved with our National League for over 20 years and honestly don’t feel that the standard of domestic football here in Wales gains the credit it deserves.
“I was fortunate enough to take Carmarthen and Port Talbot into Europe and am relishing the challenge in March.
“Of course, England will offer very tough opposition and I’m sure that it will be a great occasion which can hopefully be repeated on a regular basis.”
It will be England C’s first game since they were beaten 4-0 by Slovakia’s U21s in the International Challenge Trophy Final last November.
