HOME INTERNATIONAL: Aris announces England team
England manager, Wayne Aris, has announced his England team for the 2016 Home International, which takes place at Hessle Raceway, Hull, on Saturday 16th July.
The team compromises of captain, Andy Angell, Josh Brooke, Ben Higham, Chris Timms and Matt Smith. Wayne takes us on a run down of his selections:
Andy Angell
“Andy, by his own admission, has not started the season the way he wanted, but maybe this is kind of match he needs to get back on top of his game.
“Andy is a true professional with three British titles to his name, so I know once he pulls that England shirt he will give 100% for his team and country.
“Andy will be team captain for the day as well on his home patch”
Andy Angell. Photo by Paul Devine.
Josh Brooke
“Josh seems to of been around for years and years, but yet a rider who is still only in his 20s still has a lot to give to the sport.
“Of late Josh is the man who is leading his team, Ipswich, for a strong challenge for the Elite League title and has been riding and scoring well. This is the reason I picked lad for England.”
Josh Brooke leads for Ipswich. Photo by Graham Robins.
Ben Higham
“Ben is a young man who has been waiting for his chance to ride against the top riders, and with his inclusion in the Coventry Elite side, he has taken that opportunity well.
“He has been scoring heavily for Coventry and his first club, Stockport. For that reason I decided he deserved a place in the England side.”
Ben Higham. Photo by Linda Kirkland.
Chris Timms
“I had Chris in my mind for some time but I had to delay my selection of Chris due to a injury to his knee.
“But in the past month the lad has returned to top form, with a good display for Horspath against Coventry and four or five decent matches for his home club Birmingham.
“It will be good to have the world number two in my team. Chris has been there and done it all before for England, so he knows what to expect come the 16th July.”
Chris Timms crosses the line, which put him in a run off for the world title.
Matt Smith
“Matt is a rider from my home club Wednesfield, so I have seen plenty of him in training and matches.
“He has impressed me all season and is a young man who I thought deserved a England place.
“With his electric gate I can use that to my advantage and when Matt brings his ‘A-game’ to the track, he is a rider who can beat the best on his day.”
Matt Smith leads Michal Sassek. Photo by Paul Devine.
Aris continued: “I’m looking forward to my first managerial role as England manager and just hope me and the five lads I have selected can retain the Home International trophy.”
England manager, Wayne Aris (centre), with Junior GB manager, Steve Mullinder (left) and GB manager Lee Aris (right).
“It will be a great day at Hull, as I know a top club like them will put on a great event.
“I wish all riders and managers from the other nations all the best and look forward to a good competitive match. See you all on the 16th July!”
Thanks Wayne. All the other team news from Scotland, Wales and Ireland when we get it!