England have picked a team with an exciting blend of youth and experience for next week’s Internationals against Germany.

The eight-strong line-up includes European Mixed Doubles champions Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg, plus fellow Beijing Olympian Andrew Smith and emerging talent Ben Beckman.

While the squad is completed by Marcus Ellis, Mariana Agathangelou, Sarah Walker and Samantha Ward, a quartet all set to make their debuts at this important stage of the build-up to February’s European Team Championship in Liverpool.

The three-match series, which is the first occasion Team England will be seen in action wearing shirts bearing the logo of official partner Center Parcs, will take place on 7th, 8th and 9th October in Wuppertal, Heilbronn and Erlangen.

“We are using the experience of our world-class players to help develop young players, giving Marcus, Mariana, Sarah and Samantha a first taste of playing for England in a full international,” said BADMINTON England National Head Coach Ian Wright.

“These games are a really great development tool. Germany will field a very strong team and it will be a good test for our promising players,” added Wright.

It’s another massive season for Team England, with a match against Poland at the Oasis Leisure Centre, Swindon (6 Nov) and the Echo Arena Liverpool playing host to the 2009 European Team Championship (10-15 Feb).

England squad to play Germany (7, 8, 9 Oct)
Andrew Smith
Ben Beckman
Anthony Clark
Marcus Ellis
Donna Kellogg
Mariana Agathangelou
Sarah Walker
Samantha Ward