England Manager: Delighted with Trials
Friday 14 January 2011By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:11
Andy Williams
Andy Williams, the England Under 18 Schools' National Team Manager, speaks to esfa.co.uk about the final squad selected after the recent trials held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
"I am absolutely delighted with the announcement of those players who will represent the England Schoolboys during the coming season. The coaching team and international selectors have presided over a lengthy trial process acrossthe length and breadth of England; in scrutinising well in excess of a hundred players over the last two and half months, it is very exciting to be at this stage. The final 18 players are superb young men and a highly talented group of individuals - we have the task of helping them to become a talented team.
From start to finish, the standard of trials this year has been excellent. The final selection of the elite squad has proved extremely difficult and not without its problems caused by the notorious English weather. Along each step of the way there have been dilemas and tight calls; that I suppose is a fact of football life. It goes without sayingthere are many players whoare disappointed notto get through. I would say to those players that from the onset I set out with a task of selecting a balanced side that I feel will come together and play a brand of football that isin keeping with the values of our illustrious organisation. I am convinced we have succeeded in doing that. I would like to thank every single player who made himself available to trial, in particular those who get to the final selection but didn't quite make the final squad. My heart goes out to them especially as each one of them was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with.
The coaching staff are now looking forward to getting to work quickly to prepare the team for the fast approaching international season ahead. Wehave devised an innovative coaching programmethat willdrill the team,that will prepare them for success and the challenge of wrestling the Centenary Shield away from the Republic of Ireland."
