Pic: Pinnacle
England C starting XI v Turkey: Calum Kitscha, Andy Halls, Chey Dunkley, Marc Roberts, Lee Brown, Matty Pearson, Jake Gallagher, Josh Payne, James Norwood, Louis Moult, Elliott Frear.
Subs: Andy Coughlin, Jordan Burrow, Jordan Roberts, Joe McNerney, James Comley
PAUL FAIRCLOUGH has named three debutants for England C’s crunch International Challenge Trophy qualifier with Turkey.
Fairclough’s young Lions must win in Istanbul if they are to keep hopes of progressing to the tournament’s latter stages alive.
Goalkeeper Calum Kitscha, Macclesfield defender Andy Halls and Bristol Rovers’ Lee Brown earn first caps for their country.
Marc Roberts, who won his first cap in Slovakia in the summer, partners Kidderminster Harriers‘ Chey Dunkley in defence.
England will look to disrupt Turkey’s passing with Matty Pearson, Jake Gallagher and Josh Payne charged with winning the battle in midfield.
At Galatasaray’s training base, where England trained this morning, Fairclough said: “The players are very focused. We’ve left no stone unturned in preparation but it has to happen when they cross the white line this afternoon.
“But I believe we’ve prepared them in the best possible way. I want them to go out and enjoy themselves and enjoy the game.
“I think this Turkish side will give us an even tougher test than the side we played in England 18 months ago. It’s a tough ask but I believe our lads will respond to it.
“We need to score a goal because we need to win the game. But we’ve got to really focus our attention on stopping this team playing.
“I’ve had a look at where Turkey are going with their football. They are looking to teams like Barcelona and they like to play tight, intricate passes, and pop the ball around.
“But this will be right up the street of guys like Matty Pearson. Josh Payne will have to get tight in there and Jake Gallagher likes the feel of flesh against his boot!
“The lads know we have to suppress them. We want to force them to play a long game. That’s easier said than done but it’s a fantastic opportunity and challenge for us.”
Forest Green Rovers attacker James Norwood will captain England and will form a front three alongside club-mate Elliott Frear and Wrexham striker Louis Moult.
Lincoln City’s Jordan Burrow and Woking defender Joe McNerney were late call-ups to replace injured duo Andy Yiadom and Tom Parkes.
Kick-off is 2pm UK time. You can follow @MattBadcock_NLP on twitter for live updates from the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium.
