International Thread Part Trois

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I think we have played the USA U23s before....perhaps they request it. Years ago I thought it was because they were such a weak side, but I doubt that is true now.


Sorry....misread your question. Did we use to play U23s?
Yes, right up until 1976 when UEFA changed the age groups. The U23's last match was getting knocked out of the U23 European Championship by Hungary on 23rd March 1976. They beat us 3-0 in Budapest and we won 3-1 at Old Trafford. Our team was: M.Wallington, I.Nattrass, Alan Kennedy, Brian Greenhoff, K.Lock, Ray Wilkins, Steve Coppell, J.Case, Stuart Pearson, G.Paddon, Gordon Hill. Jimmy Case was of course still at Liverpool then.
 
No chance then...the good ones would all be in the senior squad. You have a hope of decent players at u21 level, but, at the higher age group, you'd be down to the no hopers. Most of an U23 squad would be promising u21 players anyway.
I think that's probably why UEFA changed the age limits, as that was what was happening with most countries.
 
I think we have played the USA U23s before....perhaps they request it. Years ago I thought it was because they were such a weak side, but I doubt that is true now.


Sorry....misread your question. Did we use to play U23s?

Yes. I looked it up in the end. I believe it was 1976, when all participating nations, of the time, [that's the best phrase I can come up with] came into line as Senior, and U21, and under, sides. Prior to that year, the next level junior to Senior was U23. For example, I'm pretty sure both Terry Paine and Mick Channon were England U23 players before they became Senior internationals at different times, while playing for Saints.

Just had a proper look up the thread and Chilco has come to my rescue [again]. :)