TWO teenage footballers from Salisbury have been singled out by the elite England under-18 squad.

Bishop Wordsworth’s Monty George and Mere Town’s Jordan Storey are part of the 16-man squad to represent the Three Lions.

George, a goalkeeper in Conference Premier for Salisbury last season and Storey, a centre-half in the Dorset Premier League, were chosen for the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) after impressing at a string of trials.

They will represent the junior national ranks across Great Britain in assignments against teams from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales in the Centenary Shield.

George, who lives in Dinton, said: “Last year, I missed out narrowly on selection, so was determined to try and make sure I made the team this year. The past six months for me in football have been turbulent after the collapse of Salisbury and then joining Portsmouth academy.

“The selection has showed to me that my hard work has paid off. I cannot wait for our first game against Australia and the moment when the national anthem is sung is sure to be a memorable one.”

The headmaster of Bishop’s, Stuart Smallwood, says he is thrilled with George’s call-up.

“We are delighted that Monty has had his call-up to represent his country; he is a sportsman of rare quality and will no doubt serve England every bit as well as he has the BWS 1st XI between the sticks!”

Sharing the same excitement is Mere assistant manager Kevin Wagland.

He told the Journal sport: “For his age, he looks superb. He’s quick, good in the air and copes with the Dorset Premier admirably.

“I think there’s every chance he will play Football League – that’s what he wants to do. As a club, we’re thrilled for the boy.”

The group matches get under way next month.

You can follow their progress on Twitter @Saljournalsport.