IT’S ALL ABOUT A WIN NOW!
Sbarra aims to cap his dream Lions call
Tickets are available direct from Altrincham, priced at £7 for adults and just £2 for Under-18s, at altrinchamfc.com/products/ england-c-v-wales-cinternational
JOE SBARRA has his England C shirt and cap in a frame on his wall at home, now the Solihull Moors attacker is hoping to add more – only this time after a win!
Sbarra is the sole player in Paul Fairclough’s final 16man squad selected to take on Cymru C at Altrincham on Tuesday who has already featured for Non-League’s Three Lions.
The 24-year-old came off the bench in last season’s 4-0 defeat to Mark Jones’ side in Caernarfon.
And the talented Moors man was over the moon when he found out he’d made the cut for the squad that is due to meet up this afternoon.
“I was at Cheltenham with a few of the lads from football and my old man text me to say, ‘Well done’ – it was a good moment,” Sbarra told The NLP.
“It’s one thing getting in the provisional squad but when you get the actual callup it’s a proud moment for you and your family. It’s one I am delighted I’ve had twice now.
“It was a good experience last time but the result wasn’t very good. Hopefully we can turn that around and get a win.”
While the result was tough to take, Sbarra says the overall experience of representing his country was hugely positive.
“You get different ideas from what the coaches implement but it was also about getting to know people,” Sbarra said. “It was a good experience for me to get to know people on a more personal level and nice to find out about people you’ve been playing against week-in, week-out, see what sort of lads they are – they were all class and I am sure this year we will all get on as well.
Proud moment
“It’s always a proud moment to represent your country, for me and my family.”
While they haven’t been able to repeat their promotion push of last season where they lost out in the Promotion Final to Grimsby Town, Sbarra has continued to show why he is so highly rated with his goal in their win against Scunthorpe on Tuesday night, his 11th of the season.
ALTRINCHAM’S Josh Lundstram’s family are already boosting the ticket sales ahead of England C’s crunch clash with Cymru C. The Alty midfielder has spoken of his pride at being selected for the final 16-man squad with the chance to represent his country on his home ground.
“To represent England is
“It was always going to be hard to replicate last year as a club and individually,” Sbarra said. “I feel I’ve done well. We haven’t always been our free-flowing best as a team, but to get to double figures in goals – and I am not far off that in assists – and be recognised by England C is something I am very grateful for.”
Fairclough’s new-look side sees all 16 selections drawn from Non-League’s
something I’d really love to do. I’ve never had the opportunity before,” he said. “The only added pressure that I’m playing for England, but it isn’t something I can’t handle. There are loads of eyes on you in any game at this level.
“I think playing at The J.Davidson Stadium might make it a tad easier because top flight with no more than one per club, with the boss sensitive to manager’s needs at this stage of the season.
Notts County hot-shot Macaulay Langstaff, who scored his 36th league goal of the season on Tuesday, has been
of the familiarity. It will also be nice for the club to have a representative from their team playing in the game. “All the lads are really proud, saying how much I deserve it and congratulating me. My entire family are really happy for me too. My nan and grandad have already booked their tickets and they can’t wait to watch me play.” picked, along with Wrexham’s Sam Dalby and Chesterfield midfielder Darren Oldaker.
Wealdstone stopper Sam Howes and Oldham Athletic’s Magnus Norman will battle to start between the sticks, while Altrincham’s Josh Lundstram will be hoping to represent his country in his own stadium.
And Sbarra wants to make sure they give England fans more to shout about this time.
He added: “I don’t think we performed anywhere near well enough last year but hopefully this year we can put a performance together.”