BURTON Albion Academy goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe has been called up to the England U17 squad for the Three Lions’ three games in February.
Kevin Betsy’s squad will take on Ukraine twice and Russia once in Marbella, Spain, as part of their preparation for the UEFA U17 Euro Elite Round qualifiers.
Sharman-Lowe will be part of a 22-man squad heading to Marbella next week, with the first Ukraine fixture taking place on Thursday, February 6, with a day in between each of the next two games.
The 16-year-old, a first-year scholar with our Academy, has been named on the bench for six first-team games this season, most recently in our 1-0 win over MK Dons at the Pirelli Stadium on January 14, becoming the next in a long line of Academy players to make the first-team squad in recent years.
Young Brewer Sharman-Lowe becomes the club’s second age group international, after John-Joe Power was called up to the Ireland U15s side last year.
Academy Manager Dan Robinson was delighted to see Sharman-Lowe called up in recognition of the youngster’s hard work, as well as that of those working within the Academy system.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Teddy and we are all very, very proud and excited to see how he progresses on the international stage,” said Robinson.
“It’s a massive recognition for Teddy and also for everybody in the Academy, in terms of the hard work that’s put in to developing players for Burton Albion Football Club.
“He is our second age group international within the Academy following John-Joe’s call-up for Ireland, and it’s fantastic for all our players, parents and staff to see the hard work being put in is being recognised on an international level as well as in how we are developing players for our first team.
“It demonstrates how far the Academy has come in its time so far to have two age group internationals within our system.”
First-team Manager Nigel Clough was similarly delighted for Sharman-Lowe and the Academy, having seen the youngster in training with the first-team for periods this season.
“Teddy has his England call-up which is great news for him and the Academy,” said Clough.
“He has done very well in the first half of the season - he has trained with the first team and everyone is excited about his prospects.
“It is a great experience to work with the best goalkeepers in his age group, with the FA and England coaches - it will be a wonderful experience for him.”