Lions in the Park

HOME Park will host an England international for the first time in more than 25 years when the national side’s Under-20s host the USA next month.

The international friendly between head coach Aidy Boothroyd’s young lions and their North American counterparts takes place on Sunday, March 29, kick-off 3pm. 
 
That could mean a return home for a couple of young England starlets who began their careers at Home Park: Liverpool defender Lloyd Jones and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Christian Walton have both been included in recent Under-20s squads.

Argyle Chief Executive Martyn Starnes said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestige friendly and that international football is returning to Plymouth. We are sure the Westcountry’s football fans will help make it an occasion to remember.”  

Exeter City custodian Christy Pym, who conceded three goals to Argyle in Saturday’s Devon Expressway Derby, is also an Under-20s regular, along with former Grecians striker Matt Grimes, who was recently sold to Premier League Swansea.
 
England’s last game at Home Park was in 1989, when an Under-21 side beat Poland 2-1 in a European Qualifying match with Steve Sedgley and Michael Thomas scoring the goals in front of a crowd of 10,000.
 
The Under-20s have already played six games this season and remain unbeaten. With victories against Romania, Holland and Germany and draws against Turkey, Canada and Portugal, Boothroyd’s side will be looking to continue their successful run of results in 2015. 
 
The Stars and Stripes will continue their preparation for the Under-20s FIFA World Cup later this year in New Zealand and will provide a tough test for England in Devon. 
 
Tickets for this fixture will be announced shortly and will be priced at £3 Adults and £1.50 Concessions. 

(Booking fees will apply - Adult Tickets: 30p per ticket for telephone and online orders. Concession Tickets: 15p per ticket for telephone and online orders.
Admin Charge £1.50 per booking by card. Applies to all bookings in person, by phone or internet.)

You can download a standard booking form here, or a group booking form here. 
 
England Under-20s will also play another fixture in March to be announced in due course.

Argyle Members who wish to reserve their seats for this game can do by contacting the ticket office before Wednesday, March 11.

ENGLAND REPRESENTATIVE GAMES AT HOME PARK

• Youth International v Wales, 1952
• Youth International v Denmark, 1955
• Youth International  v Eire, 1957
• Youth International v Belgium, 1962
• Football League v Irish League, 1966
• Under-23 v Bulgaria, 1970
• Schools International v Wales,1970
• Amateur International v Italy, 1972
• Amateur England XI v Argyle, 1972
• Amateur International v Finland, 1973
• Under-23 v Poland, 1973
• Under-21 European Championship v Poland, 1989
• Schools Under-15 v Belgium, 1995
• Schools Under-18 v Scotland, 2006
• Schools Under-18 v Northern Ireland, 2013