England’s U20’s are departing at 22:00 on Thursday for Montevideo, Uruguay where they will be contesting the inaugural World Championship for U20’s that starts this Monday and continues for a week.

“I think that we have a quality team and have the potential to cause an upset” said key player Sam Jackson. “We have more depth in our squad in comparison to last years U17’s in Chile (where England placed 4th) and I am sure this will show.”

“The whole team seems to be working well together and everyone is gelling.”

The initial England Squad of 16 players started training for the championships in January and has developed a system of play based on very fluid passing and possession, and a robust defence which is underpinned by physical fitness and experience, with 90% of the team having progressed from the England U17’s.

“Our goal is fifth place or better!” said Coach Kos Galtos, “Not a player in this team looks like anything but an athlete and the team is well prepared for the challenge ahead, fiercely proud to represent England and 100% committed to achieving the best possible result for themselves and their country.”

“People should be proud of this team and confident in England’s future in the sport!”

England are scheduled to play Argentina (tournament favourites) and Brazil on Monday, Uruguay on Tuesday and New Zealand on Wednesday. If they finish in the top 2 from the group they will qualify for the finals play off, most likely against Portugal and France, and having beaten or drawn with France on the last meetings have a very real chance of a place if all goes well.

The whole team seems to share the same feeling as defender Matt Oaten “I cant wait till we go, it’s gonna be an amazing experience!!!”
Good Luck England

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Reporter: Kos Galtos