Courtesy: The FA.com


England prepare for homecoming

Wednesday, 10 November, 2010

Futsal team in Loughborough for double-header with Andorra this weekend.

England v Andorra
Futsal International
7.30pm Friday 12 & 7pm Saturday 13 November 2010
Sir David Wallace Building, Loughborough University

The England men’s national Futsal team will hone their final preparations for the UEFA European Futsal Championship Qualifiers in January, by playing two back-to-back international matches against Andorra at Loughborough University later this week in what will be the last competitive games that the England squad plays before embarking on their European quest.

Andorra will not be an easy match for the English team though, they are ranked over 25 places higher than England in the FIFA World Rankings and they should prove a formidable challenge for the England players.

However, the England squad has had a positive 18 months, with some exceptional performances and results and on home turf, this match promises to be a tight affair as the England team will be keen to finish their preparations for the European Championship on a high note.

The UEFA European Futsal Championship Qualifiers will see England travel to Macedonia at the end of January 2011, where along with the hosts they will also face Estonia and Georgia. This will be a challenging group for England, but the squad are confident of qualifying and progressing.

“The England Futsal squad has had an impressive two years, learning and developing significantly since the last UEFA European Championships in 2008," said Simon Walker, The FA's National Manager for Small Sided Football.

"Pete Sturgess (England Head Coach) has done a fantastic job in identifying and nurturing young talented players that can compete on the international stage and England’s recent performances are promising.

"There is a quiet confidence surrounding the squad for the trip to Macedonia in January and our chances of qualifying to the next stages. But first, the England squad needs to overcome a strong Andorran team, who will pose significant challenges. It promises to be an exciting contest.”

The FA are hoping for a large local crowd to come and support England in both matches. Both matches will be played at Loughborough University, with tickets costing £2.50 for children and students and £4 for adults. Kick-off on Friday 12 November is 7:30pm and on Saturday 13 November is 7pm. Spectators will also be entered into a raffle for the chance of winning a number of England vs France tickets being played at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 17 November.



Courtesy: The FA.com


Ursell ready for homecoming

Thursday, 11 November, 2010

Three Lions star outlines importance of Andorra clashes

England v Andorra
Futsal International
7.30pm Friday 12 & 7pm Saturday 13 November 2010
Sir David Wallace Building, Loughborough University

By Nicholas Veevers

England Futsal ace Rob Ursell is hoping to help lead the Three Lions to victory in front of a home crowd this weekend, when Andorra are the visitors to Loughborough University for two back-to-back games.

Peter Sturgess’ team are preparing for the European Championship Qualifiers next year and this game is likely to be their final competitive warm-up before those encounters against hosts Macedonia, Georgia and Estonia.

And after tasting two defeats against Macedonia in last month’s friendly games over there, Ursell knows that the Andorra matches can be a more than useful exercise for the squad.

“We still have a lot of improving to do, as any of the players in the squad will tell you, but we are working hard to move in the right direction,” said Ursell.

“We are probably improving at a much faster rate than most other nations because there is so much to learn. We have some very talented players like Hussein Isa and Tom Obasi and the difference between them and the best players that we’ve played against in internationals is experience, rather than technique.”

Ursell is one of England’s most experienced players and is currently playing on a full-time basis with AEL Limassol in Cyprus which has seen him experience regular high-level Futsal on a consistent basis.

But he always looks forward to linking up with his international colleagues and hopes to put his know-how to good use on these occasions.

“We don’t get the chance to play international games as often as anyone would like, so every game is crucial in terms of putting what we have learned into a game situation,” he explained.

“These games may be our last before the qualifiers in Macedonia, which adds to their importance.

“I expect Andorra to have very technical, sharp players and we will have to concentrate when they have possession to avoid being opened up.

“Also, we have to try to retain the ball better than we did in Macedonia last month, so pressure doesn’t build on us.”

The FA are hoping for a large local crowd to come and support England in both matches. Both matches will be played at Loughborough University, with tickets costing £2.50 for children and students and £4 for adults. Kick-off on Friday 12 November is 7:30pm and on Saturday 13 November is 7pm. Spectators will also be entered into a raffle for the chance of winning a number of England vs France tickets being played at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 17 November.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com