Sutton United midfielder and Essex boy HARRY BEAUTYMAN chronicles his week with England C in the Caribbean.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
Bermuda here we come! I got picked up in the morning to be taken to Gatwick Airport. I was in the same car as Anthony Acheampong and Andre Gray. We met the rest of the boys for a bit of lunch and were given our tracksuits.
It sounds weird but that was something I was really looking forward to. The flight was over was good and it was a short drive to the hotel. I’m rooming with Fraser Franks and then it was off to a meeting.
All the boys had to get up one-by-one and introduce themselves. Sam Clucas was the best. He stands up, ‘I’m Sam, I play for Hereford, I’m ginger and I’m already sunburnt!’ We were in bits.
As soon as I got up I got a bit nervous. I’m an Essex boy and as soon as I said ‘Awight boys, I’m ‘Arry’ they were cracking up.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
We had a bit of breakfast and then it was off to training. It was great to get out there. Everyone looks comfortable on the ball.
In the afternoon we had a little bit of time to relax as long as we weren’t in the sun for long and covered up. That’s probably best because there are some horrific tattoos about.
Not mentioning anyone, but Andy Cook has got some bad ones – problem is it’s on his leg so he can’t cover it. Then in the evening we played a game called Shuffle. You’ve got to slide some discs into squares. When James Norwood and Marlon Jackson got a few wins under their belts they thought they were the next top thing. Embarrassing.
MONDAY, JUNE 3
We had another sharp training session and in the afternoon a few of us went to speak to some local school kids.
Preston Edwards nominated me because I’ve got a trap on me. I went with Preston and Johnny Hunt. We had to tell the kids about ourselves and how important education is.
Johnny Hunt steps up and, well he’s a scouser. All the kids were looking at him funny. I can’t understand what he’s saying, let alone them.
Then in the evening we were invited to a reception at the Governor’s House. It was incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it. Tennis courts, swimming pool – the lot. We were in awe.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4
Game day and it’s fantastic my parents are over here to watch my England C debut. My Sutton United gaffer, Paul Doswell, is over here on holiday and he came along – I can’t get away from him!
It was unbelievable. It was such a proud moment to start for my country and then play the whole game. I rattled the post didn’t I, but the team were fantastic and we really deserved our 6-1 win.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
We were all a bit stiff this morning but we had a bit of free time to relax. We hired a couple of kayaks at the beach which was good fun and then in the evening we had a wander around Hamilton.
There’s a festival on every Wednesday. Lots of people were asking for pictures which was nice. James Norwood loves a photo – only thing is all his are just of him.
We had a quick go on a rodeo bull. Daniel Bradley was horrendous on it. He was off within two seconds. I lasted much, much longer. I might look small and skinny but I’ve got the core of an animal.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Home time. It’s been a great trip and there was still as little bit of time for us all to go out on a glass-bottom boat and see parts of this wonderful island. Everyone is gutted to go home. It’s been the trip of a lifetime and something I’ll never forget.
