FIVE West London footballers have been selected to represent England at the European six-a-side championships which start in Croatia later this month.

Pinner’s Ben Long, 25, will be captaining the squad and will be joined by Ealing’s George Isaac, 23, Northolt’s Ashoor Backoos, 34, Uxbridge’s Mo Hashi, 29, and Hayes’ Sam Kanani, 28.

The highly competitive trials took place across the country and were organised by the United Kingdom Minifootball Association (UKMA).

UKMA National Teams Director Pete Mitchell, delighted with the boys’ progression, heaped praise on the players.

He said: “Competition was fierce, but they have impressed everyone with their skill and commitment in training.

“We are sure they will be worthy additions.”

It will be goalkeeper Ashoor Backoos’ first time representing England in a European competition and director Pete Mitchell said that now was the time to make his mark: “He’s been in and around the squad before, so it’s not new to him.

“But now after a couple of years of trying, we feel the time is right for him to make the step up.”

The talented West Londoners all join an England squad who are making their fourth appearance at the European Championships.

They hope to improve on last year’s second round exit and will be bidding for glory at the 32 team championships in the coastal city of Vrsar.

England will kick-off their campaign against Portugal on Tuesday September 22, at 2pm UK time.