England U18s to start 2015 with Swiss clash at Walsall

Friday 23 Jan 2015
England U18s will face Switzerland in March

Switzerland will provide the first opposition of 2015 for Neil Dewsnip’s England U18s squad.

The fixture will be held at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium on Saturday 28 March, kick-off at 5.30pm. 

The squad, which could include a number of last season’s European U17 Championship winners such as England’s youth player of the year, Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke and Everton’s Ryan Ledson, will meet up at St. George’s Park the week prior to prepare for what promises to be two tough challenges.

England v Switzerland

U18s International
5.30pm, Saturday 28 March
Banks's Stadium, Walsall FC

Back in November, Dewsnip’s side travelled to Poland and recorded back-to-back victories over their hosts, winning 3-2 and 4-1 in their final matches of 2014.

Following the trip, Dewsnip challenged his players to stay focussed on improving in their break between international duty.

"We are really fortunate and have an abundance of players in this age group,” said Dewsnip.

"We have counted up six or seven that weren't with us [in Poland], who you could argue would be in a starting eleven, so we are really lucky.

"That's very healthy, not only for England but the boys themselves. If they take anything for granted, then they won't be in the next squad."

He added: "We have Switzerland lined up for the next international break, which will provide another challenge for the group.

“It's an important time for the squad, they need to remain focussed and keep improving."

Tickets for the game at Walsall go on sale at 9am on Monday 26 January, priced £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.

Call 01922 651 414/416 or visit www.saddlers.co.uk

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer