Crewe Youngster Receives England Call

Academy striker Nick Powell has been called up for the England Under-16's as they face their Northern Ireland counterparts in the Victory Shield next week.

Powell is currently progressing through the academy in an age group said to be one of the most talented the club has seen. His call up makes him the only player from a League Two club to make the squad, with it largely being made up of Premiership sides.

It could have been better news still, with the highly rated Max Clayton being left out of the squad only due to a recent injury. Clayton was the subject of a rumoured multi-million pound bid from Liverpool a couple of years ago and reportedly the subject of Dario's Premiership tapping up claim earlier this year.

For Powell though it'll be a chance to shine in front of the Sky Sports cameras with the game being aired live on Sky Sports 1 on Thursday 5th November at 7:30pm.

Academy coach James Collins says he's delighted for Powell and that it only highlights how the academy continues to thrive:

'Nick is a 'number 10' who plays off the main striker. He is very creative but he can also take a goal. He is a very promising player and all of the Academy staff would like to congratulate him on his call-up.

'Max (Clayton) would also have been involved if it wasn't for his recent injury. It is a tremendous achievement for both of the boys and only demonstrates that Crewe has talented boys coming through in all age groups. '

Vital Crewe would like to congratulate Powell on his call-up and hopefully it's the first of many.

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