‘C’ IS FOR A CAREER HIGHLIGHT
THEY may have suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat in the ICT Final in Slovakia, but it’s been another successful season for England C, who have a proud record of changing the careers of these young pros. To date, over 200 players who have been capped at C level have gone on to play in the Football League – an amazing stat! I remember all nine of my caps as if it was yesterday. Getting the FA-headed letter to say you were in the squad, along with an England tie to wear on arrival, was the best post I have ever received. For the time you were away with the squad you were treated like the first team.
We got picked up from our house by an FA driver in a swanky black Mercedes. Straight to the airport where we flew to our destination.
Experience
Five-star hotels, meals and snacks all day, team meetings, video analysis, team bonding sessions, it had it all. We trained at national stadiums with all kit provided and received treatment when needed; rubs and massages. The experience was first class and something I will forever be grateful for.
I have no doubt this was a large part of the reason I got my move to the Football League and is a catapult for these young pros’ careers and gets their names on the map.
The likes of George Boyd, Michael Kightly, Craig Mackail-Smith and Steve Morison have all played at the top, but I bet they all remember their time with the Three Lions under Paul Fairclough.