LION CUBS WILL GET A FAIR SHOT

PAUL FAIRCLOUGH is set to this week reveal his England C squad that will take on Estonia U23s at Leyton Orient

next month. The National League O’s will host the international fixture on Wednesday, October 17. Three Lions boss Fairclough is picking a 16man squad for the occasion with the usual blend of some already capped players with a batch of new faces. Fairclough and his scouts have been scouring NonLeague for their selections and he’s thrilled by the talent on show. “This may sound quite repetitive, but it’s so exciting,” Fairclough told The NLP. “I’ve watched every (National League) team now and I’m finding this year there’s more entertainment, it’s tougher and very open. “We’ve got young goalkeepers being given chances and some really young players who are establishing themselves in first teams. “We’re getting more of the spin offs from the academy system coming through so the National League is giving more players an opportunity and more managers are trying to play the game the right way.”

Value

England C and Estonia regularly meet and tend to serve up entertaining games. When the Estonians last travelled to England, the game at FC Halifax finished 4-2 before a tight 2-1 affair in Tallinn back in November 2016.

“The level has always been pretty even and they’ve got better and better,” Fairlough said. “Often the International Challenge Trophy teams have played U21 teams but this time they are bringing their full U23 team so that will be quite a test for our players as well.

“We’re really pleased to be playing at Leyton Orient. How often do you get to come and watch an international game for such good value? It’s a great opportunity to come and see what we hope will be a really good game of football.”

Kick-off is at 7.45pm – adults cost £5 while Over 65s and U18s are free.