West Ham United youngster Hogan Ephraim has been named in the England squad for next week's crucial UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Qualifying Round.
The 19-year-old striker recently returned to Upton Park after a
loan spell at Championship side Colchester United, where he made 21
league appearances and scored one goal as the Essex-based side just
missed out on the promotion play-offs.
England take on Russia, Holland and Czech Republic for a place
at the finals in Austria and the matches will be played in Walsall
on 15 May, Coventry on 17 May and Northampton on 20 May.
After playing seven games this season without defeat, the young
Lions go into the tournament filled with confidence, but coach
Brian Eastick says that the competitive matches will be a different
kind of test.
"Although being undefeated against good opposition such as
Holland, Spain, Italy and Turkey friendly games are different to
playing competitive Tournaments", he said.
"We are faced with three matches in six days against excellent
opposition in Russia, Holland and Czech Republic with the winners
going to Austria in July for the European Finals.
"This season we have been very fortunate to play in front of
some excellent crowds, in some cases capacity at the likes of
Walsall, Crewe, Bournemouth and Doncaster. The players really
appreciate your support and in that sense you can play a big part
by getting behind the players and making it a really good
atmosphere to play in."
Tickets are priced at £3 for adults in advance (£5 on the
night)/£1 for concessions/group discounts on TheFA.com
Walsall Hotline - 0870 442 0111
Coventry City Hotline - 0870 421 1987
Northampton Town Hotline - 0870 822 1966