Month: July 2017

England are set to continue the work that has brought them recent successes in age grade tournaments. The nation was excited when the Under-20 side won the World Youth Championship in June. The Under-19 side won the continental European championships and the Under-21 side reached the last four of the UEFA tournament.

The Under-17 side have been drawn into a group for the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in India in October. The England manger of that age grade Steve Cooper has reportedly reached the FA team and plans are underway to ensure the country continues to enjoy its new found momentum in age grade events.

England are set to continue the work that has brought them recent successes in age grade tournaments. The nation was excited when the Under-20 side won the World Youth Championship in June. The Under-19 side won the continental European championships and the Under-21 side reached the last four of the UEFA tournament.

The Under-17 side have been drawn into a group for the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in India in October. The England manger of that age grade Steve Cooper has reportedly reached the FA team and plans are underway to ensure the country continues to enjoy its new found momentum in age grade events.

Whilst some players have come through since the U-19s stormed to the Final a few years ago (most notably Ben Foster), the pathway to the top has sometimes been difficult for youngsters looking to make their mark. You can see Foster in action at The Hawthorns by getting tickets from this link but you wonder how many of the victorious U17 team will be playing at the top level in 10 years time.

The masterplan was initiated at the National Football Centre, St George Park back in 2012. The £105 million facility houses the 24 national teams, making it easy for consolidated efforts towards building competent feeder teams for the senior squad.

“It’s an inspiration and a motivation to everybody connected with English football. That’s not just the national teams because it’s great recognition for the clubs and academies in England that they’re doing a really good job in producing the players. We hope it’s the start of things to come,” a hopeful Cooper said.

Cooper added that St George’s Park close to Burton-upon-Trent has been “a massive help” as it brings everyone together. He added that the leadership of Dan Ashworth, Matt Crocker and Gareth Southgate I making everything tick.

In India, England would face Iraq, Mexico and Chile. Cooper says it is “a strong group” and that he expected it as it is the World Cup. He added that everyone was excited that India were hosting the event so the team was looking at enjoying their time there. Hopefully the Under-17 side can match the recent strides of other age grade English teams.

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in a summer deal for Dean Henderson, who was part of the England Under-20 squad which recently tasted World Cup success.

The 20-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance for Manchester United, but he has had playing time at Stockport County and Grimsby Town in recent years.

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in a summer deal for Dean Henderson, who was part of the England Under-20 squad which recently tasted World Cup success.

The 20-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance for Manchester United, but he has had playing time at Stockport County and Grimsby Town in recent years.

The Baggies parted ways with Jack Rose earlier in the month but they still have the likes of Ethen Ross and Alex Palmer, who could graduate to the first-team squad. Former England international Ben Foster has already committed his future until 2019, but the Baggies are nevertheless on the search for a new shot-stopper with Boaz Myhill entering the final year of his contract.

Tony Pulis’ side signed Anders Lindegaard from the Old Trafford a couple of seasons ago, but the Danish footballer was restricted to just one League Cup outing following which he pursued a switch to Preston North End. The Baggies performed above expectations during the previous campaign and much of the work was done in the first half of the season with Ben Foster in prime form in front of goal.

The west Midlands club were at one stage just seven points adrift of a potential Europa League place, but a run of nine winless games condemned them to 10th place for the campaign. The likes of Ben Foster, Jonny Evans and Matt Philips were vital components of the squad, and the latter’s injury in March started the downward slide in the final months.

There is a suggestion that Pulis’ teams often cool down after achieving the 40-point mark, and this appears to be the case with the Baggies, who were in relegation form with just two points in the final nine league games. With the transfer window due to reopen next month, Pulis is expected to receive the backing of the club’s Chinese owners in order to reduce the average age of the entire squad – currently the highest in the Premier League at 29.