Three Guiseley players have been named in the 16 man England C squad for what is a must-win game in Belgium next month.


Lions’ skipper and former Bantam Simon Ainge, forward Josh Wilson and close-season signing Stephen Brogan will link up with the national squad for a Challenge Trophy Group A clash.

The game will be played at Gemeentalijk Sportstadion in Zaventem on Wednesday, September 12.


Guiseley travel to fellow Blue Square Bet North Division joint leaders Chester FC a week tomorrow  and play Bishop's Stortford at home on the following Saturday but have a free midweek.

It is unclear at this stage if the travelling arrangements will affect the players featuring in either of those games and there is always the risk of injury while on international duty.


However, Guiseley club secretary Adrian Towers feels it is an honour for the individuals that reflects well on the club as a whole and is a sign of the progress the Lions are making as they continue to knock the door of the full Conference League.


Towers said: “To have three of our lads in the England C squad is a source of real pride for us here at Guiseley and shows what quality we have. We hope they all do themselves proud when wearing the three lions on their chests.”


England C boss Paul Fairclough has picked a strong squad because he knows that they are in the last- chance saloon in terms of qualifying for the semi-finals.


England had a home draw with Italy and lost 4-0 to Russia in Moscow. Even if England beat Belgium away, they could still miss out if Italy beat Russia in their final group game.