AN ANDOVER Town star will fulfil every young footballer’s dream by pulling on his country’s jersey.

Charlie Gunson (pictured) successfully battled his way into the England Schools under-18 squad this weekend and will now play against the likes of Scotland and the Republic of Ireland as the team look to retain the Centenary Shield.

The midfielder, who is part of the Southampton FC Second Chance programme at Sparsholt College, was selected from a final group of 32 who fought for their place during trials at Lilleshall National Sports Centre last Saturday.

The Town star was one of the 16 players to successfully make it through to the England squad after months of gruelling trials which initially started at county level back in October.

However, Charlie’s long battle has now turned to elation after he received the news that he had been selected.

He said: “I was initially speechless but am clearly thrilled.

“I cannot wait to pull on the England shirt and to have one of the games played at Eastleigh club, which is so close to Sparsholt College and will give friends, family, teammates and staff the opportunity to watch me play.”

Alongside Charlie’s success there was also heartbreak for fellow Town teammate, Mark Childs, who narrowly missed out on a place in the squad despite also making it through to the final 32.

However, the goalkeeper, who also attends Sparsholt College, remained positive despite the disappointing news.

He said: “Obviously I am very disappointed to get so close, but I know that the experience will stand me in good stead in my search to gain a trial at professional clubs later in the season.”

Andover Town and Sparsholt College Academy manager, Neil Benson added: “Charlie’s selection for an England cap has come as marvellous news for us all.

“He has made tremendous progress during his time at Sparsholt College, enjoying the top class training and match facilities we have here on the campus.”

Talking about his time at Andover Town, Benson said: “He had a slight injury before Christmas so Andover Town fans won’t have seen much of him recently because we had to manage him carefully for these trials but they will be seeing a lot of him in the coming weeks.”

Charlie’s first game for the national side will be a warm-up friendly against Australia on February 4 before he returns to his home town of Eastleigh on March 4 to take on Northern Ireland.

To find out more about the Centenary Shield and the planned fixture list for the competition visit: esfa.co.uk/international/