Leichner Confirms GB U20 Final Roster

By Sam Neter on July 8, 2013

Head Coach Doug Leichner has confirmed his final 12 players for the 2013 Great Britain Under-20 squad to compete at the Division B European Championships in Romania starting on Friday.

Elvisi Dusha and David Akibo were the final two cuts from the team, being released from the squad before their trip to Finland over a fortnight ago. Dusha fell foul of the rule allowing one naturalised player per team; Nick Lewis, who got his British passport at the end of last year, took the only naturalised spot.

The final roster sees four returnees from the 2012 under-20 side; Joe Hart, Devon van Oostrum, John Stewart and Zak Wells, along with four year young players; Rowell Graham, Jordan Spencer, Grant Mackay and Joe Lockwood.

The team has played 9 preparation games over the last six weeks, including trips to Finland and Portugal, going undefeated throughout to head to the Euros on a high.

“Over the past six weeks we have been very lucky to have a great preparation schedule that has tested us and got us well prepared for the challenge ahead,” said Leichner. “I and the staff are very happy to be able to announce the final 12 players that will represent Great Britain in Romania and we are confident in the group of players we have selected.”

Leichner also confirmed Joe Hart as captain for the tournament, he added: “Joe is the perfect example of a team captain. Joe is the hardest worker on the team, leads through his actions and puts the interests of the team ahead of his personal goals.”

Lead assistant, James Vear commented on the preparation period: “Getting to play eight international warm-up games has really benefited the team and we have seen some great success in those games which has aided our development. Coach Leichner has done a fantastic job getting us ready for the Europeans and we are looking forward to the challenges that will face us in Romania.”

GB U20s Final Roster 2013

Lewis Champion
Matthew Don
Rowell Graham
Joe Hart (Capt)
Nick Lewis
Joe Lockwood
Grant MacKay
Jordan Spencer
John Stewart
Raphell Thomas-Edwards
Devon van Oostrum
Zak Wells

The team will tip off against the Slovak Republic, before facing Luxembourg, Romania, Poland and Hungary.

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