FGR three for England

Three Forest Green Rovers players have been named in the England ‘C’ squad for the International Challenge Trophy against Italy on Tuesday 28 February.

Winning selection were Rovers powerhouse centre back paring, Jamie Turley and Eddie Oshodi, along with midfield general Kieron Forbes, meaning Forest Green contributed the most players to the ‘non-League’ England team.

With Oshodi recently turned 20, Turley, 21 and Forbes, 21, the Rovers trio are three of the four youngest players in the team along with Kidderminster striker Jamille Matt, 21.

Oshodi has form in a Three Lions shirt, having played for England under 16 in 2007/08 and under 17 in 2008/09 as a scholar at Watford, while Turley made his England ‘C’ debut earlier this season in the sides 3-1 friendly loss to Gibraltar.

Manager Paul Fairclough has recognised a Forest Green defensive pairing that has contributed to the side having the fourth best defensive record in the Blue Square Premier and with many players capped at non-league level going on to play at a higher level, this provides the three Rovers trio with a chance to showcase their wares.

The International Challenge Trophy fixture against Italy will be played at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium in Lancashire and manager Paul Fairclough’s England ‘C’ have finished runners-up at the last two tournaments in 2009 and 2011. On both occasions, England were beaten 1-0 with Belgium proving victorious in 2009 and Portugal edging out the Three Lions in Northampton last year.

England won the tournament for the seventh time in May 2008, which is played against various under 23 and non-league national teams.

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE TROPHY

ENGLAND C v ITALY

At: Fleetwood Town FC

On: Tuesday 28 February 2012 

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