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England national football C team
England national football C team
England national football C team
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England C
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)The Three Lions, Non-League Lions
AssociationThe Football Association
Head coachPaul Fairclough
First colours
Second colours

The England national football C team (previously known as the England National Game XI and the England Semi-Pro national team) are the football teams that represent England at non-League level.

Formed in 1979 as the England Non-League team, it features players who play for clubs outside the Premier League and English Football League. Currently, the majority of selected players are full-time professionals with National League clubs.

Home matches are played at various League and non-league grounds across the country. They play friendly matches with equivalent teams from other nations. Between 1979 and 2008, they competed in the Four Nations Tournament each season, along with Scotland, Wales, and the full Gibraltar teams. In the tournament in 1980, held in Veenendaal in the Netherlands, the opposition was Scotland (players outside the Premier Division, notably Ally McCoist, then playing for St Johnstone), Netherlands Amateurs and Italy under-21. They have more recently begun playing against under-23 teams from the likes of Belgium and Turkey which have included players capped at full international level.

They won the Four Nations tournament for the seventh time in May 2008, winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal. Since January 2003, the team has been managed by Paul Fairclough, who used to manage Barnet until he left the club by mutual consent in December 2008.

The team has played in three International Challenge Trophy finals.

Seasons

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2023–24 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Nepal 2–0[1] Nicke Kabamba, Callum Stead 6 May 2024
Friendly Wales C 0–1[2] 19 March 2024

2022–23 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Wales C 1–0[3] Ryan de Havilland 21 March 2023

2021–22 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Wales C 0–4[4] 30 March 2022

2019–20 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Nepal n/a Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic 25 May 2020
Friendly Wales C n/a Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic 24 March 2020

2018–19 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Estonia U23 0–2[5] 5 June 2019
Friendly Wales C 2–2[6] Nathan Peate (o.g.), Kurt Willoughby 20 March 2019
Friendly Estonia U23 1–0[7] Alfie Pavey 10 October 2018

2017–18 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Irish Amateurs 2–4 Luke Pennell, Tom Walker 27 May 2018
Friendly Wales C 3–2 Fejiri Okenabirhie (3) 20 March 2018
2015–17 International Challenge Trophy Slovakia U23 0–4 8 November 2017

2016–17 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Jersey 1–1 (p) Fejiri Okenabirhie 30 May 2017
Friendly Panjab 2–1 Darren McQueen 28 May 2017
2015–17 International Challenge Trophy Estonia U23 2–1 Elliott Whitehouse, Jamal Lowe 15 November 2016

2015–16 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2015–17 International Challenge Trophy Slovakia U23 3–4 Jack Holland, Louis John (2) 5 June 2016
2015–17 International Challenge Trophy Ukraine U20 2–0 Kurtis Guthrie, Kayden Jackson 22 March 2016

2014–15 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Cyprus U21 1–2 Andy Yiadom 17 February 2015
Friendly Estonia U23 4–2 Omar Bogle, Harry Beautyman, Andy Yiadom, Kingsley James 19 November 2014
Friendly Turkey A2 0–2 14 September 2014

2013–14 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Hungary U19 2–4 Matty Pearson, Matty Taylor 28 May 2014
2013–15 International Challenge Trophy Slovakia U23 0–1 24 May 2014
Friendly Sparta Prague B 2–2 Matty Taylor (2) 21 May 2014
Friendly Jordan U23 1–0 Luke Berry 4 March 2014[8]
Friendly Czech Republic U21 2–2 Fraser Franks, James Norwood (pen) 19 November 2013 [9]
Friendly Latvia U23 0–1 10 September 2013 [10]

2012–13 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
Friendly Bermuda 6–1 Antoni Sarcevic, Marlon Jackson, James Norwood (3), Andre Gray 4 June 2013
2011–13 International Challenge Trophy Turkey A2 0–1 5 February 2013
2011–13 International Challenge Trophy Belgium U23 2–1 Scott Spencer, Andre Gray 12 September 2012 [11]

2011–12 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2011–13 International Challenge Trophy Russia U23 0–4 5 June 2012 [12]
2011–13 International Challenge Trophy Italy Lega Pro 1–1 Adam Watkins 28 February 2012 [13]
Friendly Gibraltar 1–3 Connor Jennings 15 November 2011 [14]

2010–11 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2009–11 International Challenge Trophy Portugal U23 0–1 19 May 2011 [15]
2009–11 International Challenge Trophy Belgium U23 1–0 Matthew Barnes-Homer 9 February 2011 [16]
2009–11 International Challenge Trophy Estonia U23 1–0 Jake Howells 12 October 2010 [17]
Friendly Wales Semi-Pro 2–2 Kyle McFadzean, Alex Rodman 14 September 2010[18]

2009–10 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2009–11 International Challenge Trophy Republic of Ireland U23 2–1 Andrew Fleming, Max Porter 26 May 2010[19]
Friendly † East of Scotland League XI 1–0 Max Porter 22 May 2010
Friendly Poland U23 2–1 Chris Holroyd, Matthew Barnes-Homer 17 November 2009
Friendly Hungary U23 1–1 Louis Briscoe 15 September 2009
  • † Team appeared as FA Representative XI.[20]

2008–09 results

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Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2007–09 International Challenge Trophy Belgium U21 0–1 19 May 2009[21]
Friendly Malta U21 4–0 Paul Brown, Lee Tomlin, Sean Newton, Shaun Densmore 17 February 2009[22]
2007–09 International Challenge Trophy Italy Lega Pro 2–2 Josh Simpson, James Constable 12 Nov 2008[23]
Friendly Bosnia and Herzegovina B 2–6 Luke Moore, Jon Shaw 16 September 2008

2007–08 results

[edit]
Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2007–09 International Challenge Trophy Finland 2–0 Michael Morrison, Matthew Tubbs 15 Nov 2007
2007–09 International Challenge Trophy Wales Semi-Pro 2–1 Mitchell Cole, Michael Morrison 21 Feb 2008
Four Nations Tournament Gibraltar 1–0 Mitchell Cole 20 May 2008
Four Nations Tournament Scotland 1–0 Steve Morison 22 May 2008
Four Nations Tournament Wales 3–0 Andy Burgess, Michael Morrison, Shaun Harrad 24 May 2008
Friendly Grenada 1–1 Steve Morison 31 May 2008
Friendly Barbados 2–0 Jon Shaw, Russell Penn 2 Jun 2008

2006–07 results

[edit]
Competition Opponents Score England goalscorers Date
2005–06 European Challenge Trophy N'lands Amateurs U-23 4–1 Steve Morison, Kieran Charnock, George Boyd, Craig Mackail-Smith 29 Nov 2006
International Friendly Northern Ireland 1–3 Paul Benson 13 Feb 2007
Four Nations Tournament Republic of Ireland 5–0 Mitchell Cole (3), Glen Southam, Matthew Tubbs 22 May 2007
Four Nations Tournament Scotland 3–0 Andy Burgess, John Grant, Jon Ashton 25 May 2007
Four Nations Tournament Wales 3–0 Gareth Seddon (2), Mitchell Cole 27 May 2007
International Friendly Finland 1–0 Mitchell Cole 1 June 2007

Players

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Current squad

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The following squad was selected for a friendly fixture against Wales C on 19 March 2024.[24]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Grant Smith (1993-11-20) 20 November 1993 (age 31) 2 0 The Football Association Bromley
1GK Wyll Stanway (2001-05-21) 21 May 2001 (age 24) 0 0 The Football Association Chester
2DF Gus Scott-Morriss (1997-05-08) 8 May 1997 (age 28) 1 0 The Football Association Southend United
2DF Tom Eastman (1991-10-21) 21 October 1991 (age 34) 0 0 The Football Association Dagenham & Redbridge
2DF Jamie Grimes (1990-12-22) 22 December 1990 (age 34) 0 0 The Football Association Chesterfield
2DF Ollie Harfield (1998-01-09) 9 January 1998 (age 27) 0 0 The Football Association Aldershot Town
2DF Myles Kenlock (1996-11-26) 26 November 1996 (age 28) 0 0 The Football Association Ebbsfleet United
3MF Edward Francis (1999-09-11) 11 September 1999 (age 26) 0 0 The Football Association Gateshead
3MF Isaac Marriott (1999-10-11) 11 October 1999 (age 26) 0 0 The Football Association Altrincham
3MF Callum Maycock (1997-12-23) 23 December 1997 (age 27) 0 0 The Football Association Solihull Moors
3MF Dan Pybus (1997-12-12) 12 December 1997 (age 27) 0 0 The Football Association Dorking Wanderers
3MF Reece Smith (2002-04-28) 28 April 2002 (age 23) 0 0 The Football Association Maidenhead United
4FW Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (1995-02-20) 20 February 1995 (age 30) 0 0 The Football Association Hartlepool United
4FW Paul McCallum (1993-07-28) 28 July 1993 (age 32) 0 0 The Football Association Eastleigh
4FW Ollie Pearce (1995-08-08) 8 August 1995 (age 30) 0 0 The Football Association Worthing
4FW Callum Stead (1999-12-25) 25 December 1999 (age 25) 0 0 The Football Association Barnet

Managers

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Notable players

[edit]
See: England semi-pro international footballers.

Honours

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

England national football C team

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The England national football C team, also known as England C or the Non-League Lions, is a representative side for male footballers playing at non-league level in , selected from clubs outside the and to compete in international fixtures against comparable teams from other nations. Formed in as the Non-League team following the abolition of the amateur-professional distinction in English football, the side was established to provide international opportunities for players at non-league level, including full-time professionals from the National League and lower tiers. Its inaugural match was a 5–1 victory over on 31 May , and it quickly achieved success by winning the inaugural Four Nations Tournament that year, followed by titles in 1981 and 1983. The team plays occasional matches, typically against U23 or non-league equivalents from countries like , , and , as part of the International Challenge Trophy and other invitational competitions. Since 2001, it has been affiliated with the FA's National Game division to support grassroots development, and Paul Fairclough has served as manager since 2003, making him the longest-serving coach in its history with over 22 years in charge as of 2025. The team continues to compete, with recent fixtures including a 1–0 loss to C in March 2024 and a 2–0 win over in May 2024. The team has produced notable players who progressed to professional levels, emphasizing its role as a stepping stone in English football.

History

Origins and early years (1979–1985)

The England national football C team, originally designated as the England semi-professional XI, was formed in 1979 by to provide international opportunities for players from non-league and semi-professional clubs outside the Football League. This initiative aligned with the establishment of the Alliance Premier League that same year, which created the first national fifth-tier competition and served as a primary talent pool for the team. The squad's creation addressed the need for representative matches for talented players ineligible for the senior England team due to their non-professional status. Under inaugural manager , who held the role from 1979 to 1982, the team debuted in the Four Nations Tournament—an annual competition involving , , the , and . In its first edition in 1979, secured the title with a 5–1 victory over and a 1–0 win against the . The team repeated this success in 1981, defeating the 2–0, drawing 0–0 with , and tying 1–1 with to claim the trophy on goal difference. , then serving as an FA regional coaching director, emphasized disciplined play and tactical organization, drawing from his experience in Wednesday's youth setup. Keith Wright succeeded Wilkinson in 1982 and managed the team until its disbandment in 1985. Under Wright, won the tournament again in 1983 with standout results including a 6–0 thrashing of the and a 2–1 defeat of . However, the side faced stiffer competition in later years, finishing runners-up in after a 0–1 loss to in the final match. Notable players from this era, such as forward Eamonn O'Keefe—who later turned professional with Everton—and Alan Smith, who progressed to full caps, highlighted the team's role as a stepping stone. The semi-professional XI played its final fixtures in 1985, ending with a 1–3 defeat to , before the FA suspended the operation amid restructuring of non-league international football.

Reformation and development (1997–present)

The England C team was reformed in 1997 after a 12-year hiatus since its last matches in 1985, with John Owens appointed as manager to lead the semi-professional side representing players outside the professional Football League. Owens, previously involved with England youth teams, oversaw the team's return to international fixtures, including a 2–1 victory over the in March 1998 at Crawley Town's , marking an early success in rebuilding the squad's competitive edge. Under his guidance until 2002, the team participated in friendlies and tournaments like the 2002 UniBond Four Nations, where they finished third, emphasizing development of non-league talent amid evolving structures in English football. In July 2000, reflecting changes in non-league classifications where semi-professional contracts were phased out, the team was renamed the England National Game XI to encompass a broader representation of players from the National Game pyramid, including full-time and part-time professionals below the Football League. This rebranding supported integration into the Football Association's Club England structure, enhancing administrative and developmental support. Steve Avory briefly managed the side from 2002 to 2003, overseeing transitional matches before Paul Fairclough's appointment in 2003, who introduced modern coaching methods such as , nutrition, and possession-based play to elevate the team's standards. Fairclough's long tenure, extending to the present, has been defined by consistent participation and player progression, with over 200 alumni advancing to EFL clubs, including notable figures like and . The team achieved significant success in the Four Nations , winning it four times under Fairclough in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008—the latter edition without conceding a goal across three matches—contributing to England's overall record of seven titles before the competition's discontinuation. In the subsequent International Challenge Trophy, launched in 2007, England C reached three finals (2009, 2011, and 2017), finishing as runners-up each time despite strong group stage performances, such as a 3–0 win over U23 in 2011. The team's activities paused after a 2–0 defeat to U23 in June 2019 due to the , leading to a two-year hiatus that affected non-league international fixtures. It resumed in 2022 as an open-age squad, with Fairclough continuing to manage, including a 1–0 friendly win over C in March 2023, a 0–1 loss to C on 19 March 2024, and a 2–0 win over on 6 May 2024. As of November 2025, no further fixtures have been played. This period has solidified the team's role as a vital bridge for aspiring professionals, selecting players from Steps 1–6 of the English football pyramid with no age restriction.

Team overview

Purpose and role

The C national , often referred to as the Non-League Lions, serves as the official representative side for semi-professional and non-league players in England, providing a platform for international competition outside the professional Football League structure. Its core purpose is to offer development opportunities and national recognition to talented footballers from the National League System, enabling them to gain valuable experience against comparable opposition from other countries. This role underscores the team's function in promoting the vitality of , which forms the backbone of the English game, by showcasing players who might otherwise lack exposure at higher levels. Formed in 1979 as the England Non-League team in response to the 1974 abolition of the amateur-professional distinction, the side was established to fill a representational void for semi-professionals, initially competing in events like the International Semi-Professional Tournament. The team's ongoing role emphasizes talent identification and progression, with eligibility for players currently playing for non-league clubs outside the , typically from Step 1 (National League) and below, selected based on domestic performances. A under-23 age restriction was in place from 2002 but has since been lifted. Managed by as one of its 24 national teams, it participates in fixtures such as international challenge matches and tournaments, helping to bridge grassroots and elite football while honoring non-league contributions. Through these engagements, the England C team not only fosters competitive growth but also highlights the diversity and depth of English football talent, with several advancing to contracts or full international honors. This representational function reinforces the Football Association's commitment to the entire , ensuring non-league players have a voice on the global stage.

Eligibility and selection

The C team represents in and is composed of players who meet the standard eligibility criteria for the senior national team, such as being born in , having a parent or grandparent born in , or having lived in for a specified period under residency rules. Players must also currently play for clubs outside the professional , typically from Step 1 (National League) and Step 2 ( and South) of the non-league pyramid, though selections from lower tiers occur occasionally to reflect broader talent. Unlike youth international teams, there is no strict age limit for England C selection, allowing experienced non-league players of various ages to be capped; for example, 32-year-old forward Paul McCallum was included in the 2024 squad against Wales after scoring prolifically for Eastleigh in the National League. This flexibility emphasizes rewarding consistent performances at semi-professional and amateur levels rather than developmental focus alone. Historically, the team operated under an under-23 age restriction from 2002 to promote pathways to professional football, but this was relaxed in subsequent years. Selection is managed by long-serving head coach Paul Fairclough, who has overseen the team since 2003, drawing from reports, observations, and recommendations from non-league clubs. Squads typically consist of 16 core players plus a contingency group of around 10, with an emphasis on current form in domestic competitions like the or league fixtures; players must be available and not on international duty for other nations. Fairclough prioritizes a balance of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking threat, often including goalkeepers and defenders from higher non-league divisions for stability. Caps are awarded for appearances, and the team plays limited fixtures annually, usually 1-3 internationals against similar non-league sides from other nations.

Management

List of managers

The England national football C team, representing non-league and semi-professional players, has had eight managers (including caretakers) since its establishment in 1979, with the team operating intermittently until its reformation in the . The role focuses on developing talent outside the professional leagues, and Paul Fairclough holds the record as the longest-serving manager.
ManagerTenureNotes
Howard Wilkinson1979–1982Oversaw the team's debut and early international tournaments.
Keith Wright1982–1984Managed during the team's initial phase; resigned in December 1984.
Kevin Verity1984–1988Appointed after Wright's resignation; managed 14 matches before resigning due to FA commitments.
Tony Jennings1988–1989Managed two friendly matches in the 1988–89 season.
Ron Reid1996–1997Managed two friendlies prior to the full reformation.
John Owens1997–2002Led the team following its reformation as the National Game XI.
Steve Avory2002–2003Caretaker manager for one friendly match during the transition period.
Paul Fairclough2003–presentLongest tenure; guided the team through multiple International Challenge Trophy campaigns.

Current staff

The current head coach of the England national football C team is Paul Fairclough, who has held the position since July 2003. Fairclough, born on 31 January 1950, previously managed clubs including and Barnet, bringing extensive experience from non-league and Football League levels to the role. He continues to lead the team as of 2025. Detailed information on assistant coaches or additional backroom staff for the England C team is not publicly detailed in official Football Association announcements or reputable databases as of November 2025. Fairclough's long-term stewardship has emphasized development opportunities for players outside the professional leagues, aligning with the team's role in showcasing non-league talent.

Players

Current squad

The England national football C team squad is selected from players in the top two divisions of (National League and below), representing semi-professional and amateur talent outside the professional . The most recent squad was announced on 29 April 2024 for an international friendly match against on 6 May 2024, held at the EBB Stadium in ; England C won 2–0 with goals from (7') and Callum Stead (13'). This 16-player group, managed by Paul Fairclough, featured a mix of experienced National League performers and emerging talents. No contingency group was announced. No further matches or squad announcements have been reported since May 2024 as of November 2025.

Main Squad

No.Pos.PlayerClub
1GKBoreham Wood
2GKElliot JusthamDagenham & Redbridge
3DFDanny CollingeBarnet
4DFZico AsareMaidenhead United
5DFOllie HarfieldAldershot Town
6DFOllie KensdaleSouthend United
7DFJaydn Mundle-Smith
8MFJack PayneBoreham Wood
9MFJosh ReesDagenham & Redbridge
10MFSam CorneMaidstone United
11MFToby EdserEbbsfleet United
12MFTyler FrostAldershot Town
13MFJohnny GoddardSlough Town
14FWJack BarhamAldershot Town
15FWBarnet
16FWCallum SteadBarnet

Notable former players

The England national football C team has served as a vital stepping stone for numerous semi-professional players who later achieved success in the professional game, including the and international caps. Many former players progressed from to higher divisions, with the team providing crucial exposure under long-serving manager Paul Fairclough. Notable examples include strikers and midfielders who earned full international recognition or commanded significant transfer fees after their C team appearances. Alan Smith, a forward who appeared three times for C in 1982 while at , holds the record for the most full England senior international caps (13) earned by a player after featuring for the C team; he later scored twice for the senior side and four times for B, building a career at Leicester City and . , who made six appearances for C between 2012 and 2014 and scored twice, transitioned from Luton Town in the Conference Premier to , , and in the , where he became a regular scorer and earned 12 caps for with three goals. George Boyd, a versatile with six caps for C from 2005 to 2006, went on to play over 200 matches in the for clubs including Peterborough United, , and Hull City, while also securing two senior caps and one B cap for . , a striker who featured for C including in a 2018 match against , advanced through non-league ranks to become a player at Cardiff City and , later earning full caps for and even facing at the . , a centre-back who played for C prior to his professional breakthrough, established himself as a regular in the EFL and with Bristol City and Cardiff City, appearing over 250 times in the . , selected for C at age 19 while at non-league York City, progressed to become a for clubs like Hull City and , and was named on the bench for senior matches under . , who scored in all four of his C appearances in the late and early , moved from Borough to in the and earned 10 caps for between 2001 and 2003. Other prominent former players include , who reached level with Brighton & Hove Albion after his C team stints, and Scott Loach, a who played extensively in the EFL for and following his England C experience. These individuals highlight the team's role in talent development, with many crediting the exposure for their career advancements.

Competitions and results

Four Nations Tournament

The Four Nations Tournament was an annual competition for semi-professional national football teams, primarily featuring England C, , , and the from 1979 to 1985, with later editions and revivals involving variations in participants. Established to provide competitive international experience for non-league and semi-professional players, it was hosted on a rotating basis across the participating nations and typically involved a round-robin format over three matches per team, with the winner determined by points or . England C participated in every edition except the cancelled 1986 tournament, achieving notable success with seven titles overall. England C secured their first victory in the inaugural 1979 edition, hosted in , where they defeated 5–1 in the semifinal and the 1–0 in the final at and . Subsequent wins came in 1981 (hosted in , with a 1–1 draw against deciding the title on ), 1983 (a perfect record of three wins in Scarborough, including 6–0 over the ), and after a long hiatus, in the revived 2003 tournament (hosted in , finishing with a 1–1 draw against to claim the title). The team added further triumphs in 2005 (1–0 wins over and , followed by 3–2 against in Cork), 2007 (unbeaten with 5–0, 3–0, and 3–0 victories over , , and in the Highlands), and the final 2008 edition (clean sheets in all matches: 1–0 against and , 3–0 over , split between and ). These successes highlighted England C's dominance, particularly in the later British Isles-focused format from 2002 onward, which excluded continental teams. In non-winning years, England C often finished as runners-up, such as in 1980 (second to after a 4–2 win over but a 2–2 draw with the ), 1982 (level on points with after drawing 1–1), 1984 (one point behind ), 1985 (behind following a 1–3 loss), and 1987 (second to with wins over the and ). The tournament's revival in introduced a British-only lineup with and the replacing and the , leading to third-place finishes for England C in and 2004. The competition concluded after , having provided a platform for emerging talents from to gain international exposure.
YearHost NationFormat/ParticipantsEngland C ResultsFinal Position
1979EnglandKnockout (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)5–1 SCO, 1–0 NED (final)1st (Winners)
1980NetherlandsRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)2–0 ITA, 2–2 NED, 4–2 SCO2nd
1981ItalyRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)2–0 NED, 0–0 SCO, 1–1 ITA1st (Winners)
1982ScotlandRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)0–0 ITA, 1–0 NED, 1–1 SCO2nd
1983EnglandRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)2–0 ITA, 6–0 NED, 2–1 SCO1st (Winners)
1984ItalyRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)3–3 NED, 2–0 SCO, 0–1 ITA2nd
1985NetherlandsRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)2–2 ITA, 3–0 NED, 1–3 SCO2nd
1986ScotlandCancelledN/AN/A
1987ScotlandRound-robin (ENG, SCO, NED, ITA)1–2 ITA, 4–0 NED, 2–1 SCO2nd
2002–2008Various (British Isles)Round-robin (ENG, SCO, WAL, IRL/GIB)See text for details3rd (2002, 2004); 1st (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008)
This table summarizes key outcomes, with full match details available in historical records. The tournament's end in marked the conclusion of a significant era for semi-professional international football in .

International Challenge Trophy

The International Challenge Trophy was a biennial UEFA competition for semi-professional and non-league national teams, established in to provide international opportunities for players outside professional leagues. England C, representing non-league talent, participated from the inaugural edition and achieved notable success in the early years, winning the trophy three times before a hiatus in the competition. The tournament was relaunched in , with England C reaching multiple finals but ultimately finishing as runners-up in later editions. In the 1978–79 season, England C won the inaugural tournament by defeating Scotland 5–1 and the Netherlands 1–0, securing the title without a final playoff in the three-team format. They repeated their success in 1980–81, topping the group with victories over the Netherlands (2–0) and draws against Scotland (0–0) and Italy (1–1). England C claimed their third title in 1982–83, beating Italy 2–0, the Netherlands 6–0, and Scotland 2–1 to finish atop the standings. However, they were unable to defend the trophy in subsequent seasons, with Scotland winning in 1979–80, 1981–82, and 1984–85, and Italy taking the 1983–84 edition; England C reached the group stage in each but did not secure further victories before the competition paused after 1985. The tournament's relaunch as the 2007–09 International Challenge Trophy saw England C qualify for the final after topping their group, but they lost 0–1 to Belgium U21 on 19 May 2009. In the 2009–11 edition, England C again advanced to the final, only to fall to U23 via a set-piece goal in a 1–0 defeat on 20 May 2011. The team continued competing in the 2011–13 and 2013–15 cycles but did not reach another final, with losses including a 0–1 semi-final exit to in May 2014. England C's most recent deep run came in the 2015–17 edition, where they defeated U23 2–1 in November 2016 to secure a final spot, following earlier group-stage wins like a 1–0 victory over U23 in March 2014. Managed by Paul Fairclough, they faced U21 in the final on 8 November 2017 but suffered a 4–0 loss, marking their third runners-up finish since the relaunch. The competition was discontinued by after 2017, ending England C's involvement after 13 participations and three overall titles.

Recent fixtures (2015–present)

The England national football C team has played a limited number of fixtures since 2015, primarily consisting of international friendlies and matches in the International Challenge Trophy (ICT), with activity disrupted by the between 2020 and 2022. These games typically feature non-league and semi-professional players aged 23 and under, selected to represent talent from the lower tiers of English football. The team has faced a mix of C-level national sides and under-23 or under-21 equivalents from other nations, often in competitive but low-stakes encounters that serve as development opportunities. Key fixtures from this period highlight a competitive record, with notable wins against regional rivals but occasional setbacks in away games. For instance, in early 2015, England C suffered a narrow defeat in before securing a victory later that year. The team qualified for the ICT final in 2017 but lost convincingly. Subsequent years saw regular friendlies against C, resulting in mixed outcomes, including a hat-trick-inspired win in 2018 and a draw in 2019. A friendly loss to U23s in 2019 capped a transitional period before the pandemic halted play. Post-pandemic, England C resumed with a narrow victory over Wales C in 2023, but fell to a defeat in the return fixture in 2024. No official fixtures have been recorded for 2025 as of November 2025, though preparatory activities have continued. The following table summarizes the major fixtures and results from 2015 to present, focusing on verified international matches:
DateOpponentResultCompetitionVenueNotes
17 February 2015Cyprus U21L 1–2FriendlyAmmochostos Stadium, England C led at but conceded twice in the second half.
2 June 2015 U21W 2–1Friendly, GalwayGoals from Michael Folkes and secured the win after Ireland took an early lead.
15 November 2016 U23W 2–1International Challenge TrophyA. Le Coq Arena, and Michael Green scored; the result qualified England C for the 2017 final.
8 November 2017 U21L 0–4International Challenge Trophy FinalŠtadión pod Zoborom, Ziar nad Hronom dominated after , ending England C's title hopes.
20 March 2018 CW 3–2FriendlyJenner Park Stadium, Barry scored a in a thrilling encounter.
19 March 2019 CD 2–2FriendlyPeninsula Stadium, Kurt Willoughby and an for England C; Wales equalized twice.
5 June 2019 U23L 0–2FriendlyKadriorg Stadium, Late goals from and Alex Tamm sealed the defeat.
21 March 2023 CW 1–0International Challenge MatchJ. Davidson Stadium, A single goal by Ryan De Havilland secured the annual fixture victory.
19 March 2024 CL 0–1International Challenge MatchStebonheath Park, Sion Bradley scored the winner for Wales in a closely contested game.
These matches underscore the team's role in showcasing emerging non-league talent, with Paul Fairclough managing most fixtures during this era. Attendance has varied from 500 to over 2,000, reflecting the focus of the C team.

Honours and records

Major honours

The England national football C team has achieved notable success in international semi-professional competitions, particularly the Four Nations Semi-professional Tournament, where it holds a record seven titles. These victories span from the inaugural edition in 1979 to the final tournament in 2008, underscoring the team's dominance in matches against counterparts from , the , , and later and . The team's honours also include the inaugural European Challenge Trophy in the 2005–06 season, a precursor to the modern International Challenge Trophy, which it won by securing maximum points from three group-stage victories against , , and the . This triumph marked England's only title in the competition's evolving formats, though it reached subsequent finals in 2009, 2011, and 2017 without adding further silverware.

Four Nations Semi-professional Tournament

  • 1979: Winners (hosted in England)
  • 1981: Winners (hosted in Italy)
  • 1983: Winners (hosted in England)
  • 2003: Winners (hosted in Wales)
  • 2005: Winners (hosted in Republic of Ireland)
  • 2007: Winners (hosted in Scotland)
  • 2008: Winners (hosted in Wales, with one match in England)

European Challenge Trophy

  • 2005–06: Winners

Statistical records

The England national football C team, representing non-league and semi-professional players, has contested a limited number of matches since its inception in 1979, primarily in friendlies and invitational tournaments. As of November 2025, the team has played 75 international fixtures, achieving 46 wins, 15 draws, and 14 losses, with a of +55 (123 goals scored and 68 conceded). This record reflects the team's selective scheduling, often limited to one or two games per year, focusing on development opportunities against similar-level opposition from and beyond. The two most recent fixtures were a 0–1 loss to C on 19 March 2024 and a 2–0 victory over on 6 May 2024 at Town's EBB Stadium, with goals from and James McQuilkin. In terms of individual records, John Davison holds the all-time appearance mark with 24 caps, earned primarily during the 1980s while playing for . Mark Carter is the leading goalscorer with 13 goals in 11 appearances, a prolific rate achieved between 1987 and 1992, including notable strikes in victories over and . Other prominent contributors include (9 goals) and Adie Mike (8 goals), both from the late 1980s and early 1990s eras. The team's strongest performances have come in multi-nation tournaments. England C won the International Semi-Professional Tournament (later known as the Four Nations Semi-professional Tournament) seven times (1979, 1981, 1983, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008), often defeating strong sides like the and . In the UniBond Four Nations Tournament, they secured victory in 2003 after a third-place finish in 2002. The largest margin of victory is a 6-0 win over the in 1983, while the heaviest defeat was a 0-4 loss to in 1991. Against specific opponents, England C maintains a dominant record versus (9 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses in 14 meetings) and (7 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses in 13 meetings).
CategoryRecord HolderDetails
Most AppearancesJohn Davison24 caps (1980s)
Top GoalscorerMark Carter13 goals in 11 apps
Biggest Winvs 6-0 (1983)
Tournament WinsFour Nations Semi-pro7 titles (1979–2008)

References

  1. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41733857
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  3. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/inside-england-c-non-league-26517221
  4. http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/MatchRslTmC.html
  5. https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eur-semipro.html
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  7. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/released-liverpool-battled-sir-kenny-28845068
  8. https://faw.cymru/news/cymru-c-defeat-england-c-thanks-to-bradleys-brilliance/
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  10. http://www.mossleyweb.com/wilkinson.htm
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  12. https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/features/featured/30435/paul-fairclough-the-studious-england-coach-ahead-of-his-time/
  13. https://www.thefa.com/news/2017/nov/08/england-c-slovakia-report-081117
  14. https://www.thefa.com/news/2018/apr/20/england-c-squad-to-play-republic-of-ireland-200418
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UriNlMvSM7k
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  17. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65034048
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  19. https://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/pdf/pv/a-guide-to-club-adminstration.ashx
  20. https://clwbpeldroed.org/2024/03/06/england-c-wales-paul-mccallum/
  21. https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2024/Mar/11/england-c-to-play-nepal-at-aldershot-town-20241103
  22. https://nonleaguedaily.com/english-national-football-c-team-a-brief-history/
  23. https://www.transfermarkt.us/howard-wilkinson/profil/trainer/1649
  24. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-owens-b7b02637
  25. https://www.transfermarkt.com/paul-fairclough/profil/trainer/3198
  26. https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2024/May/06/england-c-nepal-aldershot-report-20240605
  27. https://therealefl.co.uk/2024/04/29/paul-fairclough-announces-england-c-squad-to-face-nepal/
  28. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-c-team-jamie-vardy-31071884
  29. https://fenregistrophies.co.uk/who-has-played-for-the-england-c-team/
  30. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/england-c-football-team-players-27564377
  31. https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/25885/matt-badcock-column-england-c-is-a-conveyor-belt-of-talent/
  32. https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/may/23/england-c-slovakia-report-240514
  33. https://www.thefa.com/news/2016/nov/16/england-c-estonia-report-161116
  34. https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/mar/04/jordan-u23-0-1-england-c-report
  35. https://www.thefa.com/news/2015/feb/17/england-c-cyprus-u21s-report-170215
  36. https://www.thefa.com/news/2015/jun/01/republic-of-ireland-1-2-england-c-010615
  37. https://www.thefa.com/news/2018/mar/21/england-c-wales-report-200318
  38. https://www.thefa.com/news/2019/mar/19/england-c-wales-report-190319
  39. https://www.thefa.com/news/2019/jun/06/estonia-2-0-england-c-060519
  40. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65034048
  41. https://faw.cymru/match/cymru-c-vs-england-c-domestic-football-international-friendly/
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