The England C team who take on Hungary in Budapest tonight will once again see a number of former Apprentices from Football League Clubs feature.
As Paul Fairclough’s re-building process begins following last season’s International Challenge Trophy he has named no fewer than eight former Apprentices within his 16-man squad, meaning that 50% of the squad have come through Youth Development programmes at League Clubs.
The squad includes the likes of, Joe Welch, Rossi Jarvis and Callum Reynolds and Fairclough sees this fixture as an opportunity to usher in a new era of players while also preparing for the International Challenge Trophy qualifiers which begin in the Autumn.
Speaking to The FA’s website, Fairclough said:
“This is an ideal opportunity for players to stake a claim before the qualifying games begin.”
“There are other players still eligible that we are aware of but it is important to look at others to see how they adapt to international football and the rigours that go with it.”