Non league players called up to England C squad to face Wales C

Non league players called up to England C squad to face Wales C this month have been announced with 13 of them from the National League.

Manager Paul Fairclough names his 16-man squad for the clash, which is to take place at Caernarfon Town on the 24th of March 24. It includes 11 players who are hoping to make their international debuts.

ENGLAND C SQUAD:

–
Ben Killip – Hartlepool United
Craig King – Oxford City
Kurt Willoughby – AFC Fylde
Wes Fonguck – Barnet
Josh Walker – Barnet
Patrick Brough – Barrow
Josh Kay – Barrow
Lewis Harcastle – Barrow
Kane Smith – Boreham Wood
Kabongo Thsimanga – Boreham Wood
Sorba Thomas – Boreham Wood
Liam Mandeville – Chesterfield
Greg Olley – Gateshead
Will Smith – Harrogate Town
Sam Austin – Kidderminster Harriers
Ben Goodliffe – Sutton United

Fairclough told the Non League Paper: “It’s a very talented group of players. Hopefully they all stay injury free between now and then bit I’m really excited about working with this group. It’s very talented.

“Some of the regulars are being rewarded for their good work at their clubs with another international cap. The others we’ve identified as being real quality.

“Wales are an open age group but our agenda is a bit different. We want to win, of course we do and the group I’ve picked are winners, but it’s an opportunity for us to get together and really enjoy a game of football.

“Wales have selected Caernarfon because it’s a hotbed of football. They’ve been selling tickets for a couple of months now so we’re expecting to be met by a wall of Welsh voices.

“I could have gone down a much more physical route. Wales like to play football but because they are older they are strong men.

“So I could have picked a squad with that in mind but I don’t see that as my role, I haven’t picked a side to compete on that level. I’ve selected a group of technical players who will want to get the ball and play as much as we can.

“That’s why I enjoy this so much. Of course there’s still pressure to win games and for them to perform on the day.

“I can’t really remember when we’ve had a side who haven’t turned up. England C doesn’t work like that. They are so highly-motivated and proud that they’re wearing an England shirt.”

Fans gave their reaction after seeing Non league players called up to England C squad to face Wales C…

Kabby in the England C squad?? https://t.co/Q7m5JPzOym

— tommy shaw? (@tomshaw___) March 2, 2020

@SorbaThomas has great potential. One to look out for I reckon.

— Alan Harris (@alan_harris01) March 2, 2020

Well done but dont really need it as a club ?

— ian ally (@38wcr) March 1, 2020

Congratulations @HardcastleLewis well deserved for you hard work my mate.

— Tom Monk (@ThomasMonk7) March 1, 2020

Surely it's every players dream to represent his country at any level, don't take that away from them

— Malcolm Keeler (@keeler2015) March 1, 2020

Well deserved. @khfcofficial player of the year by a country mile.

— Robert Ronsson (@RobRonsson) March 1, 2020

Well deserved too , well done @sam_austinnn

— David Connolly (@KhfcDavid) March 1, 2020

Proper clubman. Congratulation Sam.

— Ron HAWKESFORD (@ONONERON) March 1, 2020

Every name on that list ? pic.twitter.com/SdQQeUJJwm

— JC (@JClem90) March 2, 2020

Thoroughly deserved ?

— Lee (Heedviking) (@Heedviking) March 2, 2020

Well done posh lad. Thoroughly deserved.

— Mickey Barrass (@Heedboy4) March 2, 2020