Reece Smith is the latest Maidenhead United star to have England’s Three Lions come calling after some stellar performances in the Vanarama National League this season.
Nine goals in 33 appearances this season for Smith has caught the eye of England C manager Paul Fairclough who has called up the 21 year old for a game against Wales in Llanelli in March.
Smith joins former team mate Emile Acquah and current team mate Sam Barratt in earning an England C call up – both have previously represented the Three Lions.
As well as Smith, there is another Berkshire connection in the squad with Reading-born goalkeeper Grant Smith called up for what would be his third cap – he was last called upon in 2017 while with Boreham Wood and shared the squad with Barratt.
Smith is currently with Bromley having played in the Football League with Lincoln City – he is the brother of former Bracknell Town and AFC Aldermaston goalkeeper Dan Smith.
What is the England C team?
The team was known previously as the National Game XI and England Semi Pro national team and is made up of the best English players who ply their trade outside of the Football League.
Who would I recognise from past England C squads?
Bracknell Town supporters of a certain vintage may recall left back Leon Solomon from the Byron Walton era – ‘Solly’ picked up an England C cap against Finland in 2007.
Other notable players to pass through the C team and earn caps are former Cardiff City striker Lee Tomlin Newport County forward Omar Bogle, former Scotland international George Boyd and Reading FC captain Andy Yiadom.
Arguably the most famous graduate in recent years though is former Watford and Burnley striker Andre Gray who earned six caps and scored two goals between 2012 and 2014.
