League star named in new look England squad

Hendon defender Charlie Goode has been named in Paul Fairclough's new look England C squad to fly the flag for the Ryman League next month against the Republic of Ireland.

The 19-year-old, pictured, learned of his inclusion in Fairclough's 16 man squad to face the Irish ahead of his side's Ryman Premier play-off final heartache, Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Earlsmead against Margate.

Signed from AFC Hayes in November 2014 after coming through the youth ranks at Harefield United and then Hadley, Goode is set to join up with the England squad travelling to Galway for the friendly on Monday 1 June after the Three Lions manager vowed to draw more talent from throughout the senior levels of Non-League football.

Fairclough included three more Step 3 players in his squad in the warm-up for England's upcoming International Challenge Trophy campaign from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League - Blackpool-bound winger Jarrett Rivers ahead of his summer switch from Blyth Spartans, Ilkeston FC defender Callum Chettle and the league's top flight golden boot, Rushall Olympic striker Aaron Williams.

In a statement on their website, the Greens said they were "thrilled" for Goode who has made 36 appearances and scored twice for manager Gary McCann this season to win international recognition.

Calling it an honour for the whole club and in particular for McCann and his coaching team, a spokesman said: "We are thrilled that Charlie Goode has been selected for the England C squad to play Republic of Ireland Under 21s in a friendly.

"This is a real honour for Charlie, and is a thoroughly deserved reward for his efforts this season as part of our squad. Not only that, it is reward for Gary McCann and his backroom staff, along with the rest of the squad who have all played a huge part in his development this season."

In his statement announcing the inclusion of Goode and the other new faces, Fairclough said: "Gone are the players who served us well over the last couple of years and I have selected a squad drawn from Steps 1-4 of the National League System.

"I believe in giving young talented players an opportunity to represent their country regardless of the level they are currently playing.

"There will be as many as ten players in the 16 man squad who will make their international debut. It will be a proud moment for the players, their families and me."

England C last met the Republic of Ireland in May 2010 in Waterford in the International Challenge Trophy. Fairclough, who is due to include one more name in his squad, added: “We will, no doubt, face a very talented Under 21 side which will be a mix of League of Ireland players together with those playing in England.

"This game provides me with an opportunity to plan for the forthcoming ITC games which will begin later in the year."

England Squad
Calum Kitscha (gk) Hayes & Yeading United FC
Andrew Coughlin (gk) Wrexham FC
Simeon Akinola Braintree Town FC
James Bolton FC Halifax Town
Ben Heneghan Chester FC
Kingsley James Chester FC
Matthew Pearson FC Halifax Town
Sean Raggett Dover Athletic FC
Alex Woodyard Concord Rangers FC
Jake Gallagher Welling United FC
Charlie Goode Hendon FC
Callum Chettle Ilkeston FC
Aaron Williams Rushall Olympic FC
Louis Moult Wrexham FC
Jarrett Rivers Blyth Spartans FC

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