The England Cerebral Palsy squad for the IFCPF European Championship later this month has been named by head coach Andy Smith.
This year’s tournament is being held in the Netherlands at the KNVB’s campus in Zeist and offers the Three Lions a chance to build on their achievements of a fourth-placed finish at the World Championships in Argentina last September.
England lost their long-term captain Jack Rutter earlier this year after he was classified out, following the lowering of the minimum eligibility criteria.
However, with a new wave of players joining the squad from the U21s and talent programme, Smith is building towards the future.
“We go into this event in high spirits, if not a little unsure of the new classification system introduced into the sport after the last tournament, and the effect it will have on the team,” said Smith.
“However we have a great medical staff, who have left no stone unturned to ensure we are ready.
“I have a great deal of talent in the squad and we want to create our own history following on from the Three Lions in Russia this summer.”
England are in group B for the first stage of the competition and kick-off their campaign on Thursday 26 July (11am BST) when they face Finland, before playing Russia two days later on Saturday 28 July (11am BST).
Spain are the opposition on Monday 30 July (9am BST) before the final match against Ukraine is held on Wednesday 1 August (6pm BST).
There will be at least one further game after that, with nations facing off against the team who finished in the corresponding position in group A, before progressing to the semi-final, third place play-off or final.
The squad
1. Giles Moore
2. Liam Irons
3. Harry Baker
4. James Blackwell
5. Martin Sinclair
6. Matt Crossen
7. Karl Townshend
8. Dale Smith
9. George Fletcher
10. Jordan Twiss
11. Oliver Nugent
12. Jack Fox
13. Ryan Kay
14. Lewis Tribe
