Meet the England Cerebral Palsy squad

With England Cerebral Palsy set to head off for the IFCPF European Championships next week, we decided to sit down with Para Lion Aaron Lucas to learn more about his team-mates.

Coach Andy Smith has named a 14-man squad for the tournament, which England CP will get underway with a game against Spain on Friday 2 June.

You can hear Smith’s views on the IFCPF European Championship and his squad here, but before that, learn more about the England CP team with Lucas. 

1. Giles Moore (goalkeeper) 

A senior player, he’s been here for years and years. He is the best keeper in the world by far, I believe. He is very quiet and keeps himself to himself, but when he needs to say what he needs to say, he will. He is a class boy.

2. Liam Irons (midfielder)

The hothead for sure, nine times out of ten when you are worried he might get a booking, he does. But joking aside, he is another great player.

3. David Porcher (forward) 

I love Dave. He is just brilliant. A brilliant guy and a brilliant player. If he wasn’t in the team of the tournament at the World Cup last year then he should have been. He is the best there is and is just a fantastic guy to be around.

4. Sam Dewhirst (midfielder) 

Sam is one of the young ones and is definitely the messiest player in the squad. He always leaves his stuff in the change room and you always know where he's been sitting because there's just mess everywhere! But is another good player who is great with his feet.

5. Mason Dunbar (midfielder) 

Mason, a young kid, he only come in last year but is a brilliant lad, trains really hard, and puts everything into every game he plays.

6. Matt Crossen (defender) 

Captain Fantastic, he is a brilliant player. Probably one of the best defenders I know and a great captain. He is really good with every player; he comes and talks to us individually and he is a just brilliant guy all around.

7. James Blackwell (defender) 

The grandad of the team, he’s been around for ages but still does a great job. He speaks up well and speaks very well to us as players. He is one to look up to for sure.

8. Harry Baker (defender) 

I love Harry. He's very young still but has been here since he was 14, I believe. He is a great player and just a great lad.

9. Jayden Kenyon (forward) 

Jayden is one of those who is coming up from the development squad and will be heading into his first tournament. I saw him in the Tri-Nations and he was absolutely superb for an FT1 like myself. I can't wait to see what he does at the tournament. I am so excited for him.

10. Aaron Lucas (midfielder) 

Me? Well I’m just a great guy I think! Nah, I just love what I do here and love being here. This is going to be my first EURO, after the World Cup last year being my first major tournament, so I can't wait to get there and hopefully we do well as a team.

11. Will Ramsay (forward) 

Another who is heading into his first tournament, Will is a big guy – he is huge, massive for his age – and I’m excited to see what he does.

12. Reegan McMillan (goalkeeper) 

Reegs, he is a top keeper I've known for years. He was at West Ham with me and is a brilliant penalty saver - he's probably the best when it comes to penalty saves. He’s very quiet but he does a job when he's on the pitch for sure.

13. Matt Robinson (defender) 

Matty Robbo, he is very quiet, keeps himself to himself but is very strong – he is probably one of the strongest in the team. He is a lovely lad.

14. Ethan Day (midfielder) 

I don't know as much about Ethan because he's coming up from the development squad. It's going to be his first tournament this year and I am excited for him because it is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to see what he can do.