Four Kent based non league footballers have been selected for the England C squad for the match in Bermuda on Tuesday 4th June.
Regular goalkeeper, Preston Edwards (Ebbsfleet United), is joined by Welling United defenders Anthony Acheampong and Fraser Franks along with Dover Athletic custodian Mitch Walker.
Despite his clubs’ relegation this season, Edwards has had an excellent campaign and has been England C first choice stopper throughout. Having played one game for Millwall he played for Grays Athletic and Dover before joining Ebbsfleet in 2010.
No team conceded fewer league goals than Blue Square Bet South champions Welling United so the selection of two of their defenders came as no great shock. Goalkeeper Sam Mott was called up for an England C game earlier in the season and now two of his team-mates have followed suit.
Acheampong has attracted interest from various scouts during the season. Having been on the books of Cardiff City he found his way to Welling via Horsham FC and has put in some towering performances for the Wings. Seven goals in 2013 shows he is also a threat from dead ball situations.
Franks showed his versatility by playing a number of games at right back although the majority of his appearances were at centre half during the 2012-13 season. He was released by Chelsea and then Brentford without making a first team performance before 28 first team starts for AFC Wimbledon helping them gain promotion from the Conference. Injury then halted his career and loan spells were followed by him being let go. He joined Welling last summer.
Walker has also been in fine form for Dover having joined them following his release from Brighton and Hove Albion. Whilst with the Seagulls he had two loan spells at Eastbourne Borough and one at Welling before Nicky Forster brought him to Dover. Two penalty saves in the play-off in the shoot out with Eastleigh demonstrated his undoubted talent.
Full squad: Preston EDWARDS (Ebbsfleet United), Mitchell WALKER (Dover Athletic), Daniel BRADLEY (Alfreton Town), Antoni SARCEVIC (Chester), James NORWOOD and Chris STOKES (both Forest Green Rovers), Josh GILLIES (Gateshead), Sam CLUCAS and Ryan BOWMAN (both Hereford United), Micky DEMETRIOU and Anthony MALBON (both Kidderminster Harriers), Andre GRAY (Luton Town), Ryan JACKSON (Macclesfield Town), Harry BEAUTYMAN (Sutton United), Anthony ACHEAMPONG and Fraser FRANKS (both Welling United).
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.