His side trained at the Club's new base this afternoon
England Schools’ Football Association manager Ben Lavelle paid tribute to the facilities at Fleetwood Town’s new training complex today.His side are using the Poolfoot Farm venue as their base as they prepare for Friday night’s game against Scotland at Highbury Stadium (KO 7pm).
And Lavelle, who lives locally, said he was impressed by what he saw at the new home of the Cod Army and admitted these are exciting times for the Club.
He said: “I’m a local lad who comes from Blackpool and coach the academy there, but this is leaving them behind really.
“I came here the other day with my son to have a look around and I’m really impressed. The staff have also been very impressive and really welcoming.
“Everybody is eager to help you and there seems to be a real plan here to move things on which is exciting for the Club.”
Tomorrow night’s game against the Scots is an opportunity for England to extend their winning run in this year’s competition, having beaten Northern Ireland and Wales already.
“We’ve come to Fleetwood with the England schoolboys for the first time and are playing in a competition which is called the Centenary Shield.
“All of the home nations compete in the tournament and we’ve made a good start and sit top of the group with six points so far.
“We’ve beaten Northern Ireland and Wales 2-1 in both games so have made an impressive start. We’ve got some really good lads.
“A lot of these players will go back into the professional game in my opinion. Good examples here are Chris Smalling who came from this group of players a few years ago, so too Nick Haughton.
“These lads develop between the ages of 16-18 so they’re a great bunch to be involved with and I thoroughly enjoy it.”