Three lions! Schoolboy trio get England call
Three teenagers from Staffordshire look to have a bright footballing future – after being picked for the English Schools’ FA’s under-18 squad.
Stafford Rangers youth team strikers Declan Arber, who is from Codsall, and Connor Taylor, are joined by Hednesford Town Academy defender Carter Lycett, in being named in the 20-man squad for a friendly against the RAF in January before the squad is reduced to 18.
Taylor has made substitute appearances for Rangers’ first team this season in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, and Stafford Rangers manager Steve Burr believes his youngsters can go on to play league football. “It’s early days but it’s good to see them selected,” said Burr.
“I’d love to see them go on and play at a higher level and I’m sure their aims are to play in the Football League.
“Declan trained with us in pre-season. Connor’s had a few substitute appearances for the first team.
“I do watch the youth team regularly, we have plenty of contact with them.
“The only downside is that it’s difficult at that age because you can’t get them on a contract, so they are there to be poached by bigger clubs! That’s part and parcel of it.”
Hednesford left-back Lycett has also been named in the English Schools’ FA squad following a regional trial at Stafford Town.
All three will feature in the friendly at RAF Cosford on January 5.
