World Footy News

One of the red hot favourites going into tomorrow's Euro Cup in Edinburgh are the England Dragonslayers. After coming in third last year, the English will be eager to regain their past glory as European 9-a-side champions.

The Dragonslayers will this year again be coached by Robert Fielder, with Mark Williams as Manager and Ian Mitchell as captain.

This report by Mark Williams

"All leagues are getting stronger and more competitive each year. None more so than the CNE Central North and East league, where a very competitive season has seen a number of young new players being blooded, in particular at the Wolverhampton Wolverines and Huddersfield Rams who contested a league fixture with no Australians in either squad. The future looks bright in this part of the country.

"England have selected a balance of new and experienced players this season the emphasis on trying to bring through some if the younger players as quickly as possible. There are too many qualities throughout the squad to narrow it down easily. One to keep an eye on is Cameron Cope from Wolverhampton, in his first season of Aussie Rules has won best and fairest at club level, the AFL CNE rising star award, and played at the Brit Cup in the Midland rep side and at the recent Tri-Nations Tournament in Cardiff. In all Situations he has risen to the challenge and not looked out of place, as I say one to keep an eye on especially for the future.

"The development of new Players has been good this season has seen 5 players make their International Debuts, credit to the clubs and coaches for identifying natural talent and pushing it in the right direction.

"Preparation for Euro Cup started early this year with a trial training camp in May where 52 Players attended for Selection. We then travelled to Fontanafredda in Italy for the Four Nations tournament. Italy hosted Scotland, Croatia and ourselves. We were triumphant beating Croatia in the final, then a training and analysis camp was held in chippenham in August, this helped not only cement the team spirit, but also pick squad members for Euro Cup 2012. This proved difficult and we left 2 places up for grabs to be decided in Cardiff at the Tri Nations tournament. Wales hosted Scotland and ourselves, again we were undefeated and retained the tri Nations, and this gave opportunity to select the last 2 squad members for Edinburgh.

"Without sounding arrogant, we want to win the Euro Cup. It is a massive competition with a lot of strong teams and a lot will depend on the draw and obviously performances on the day. We feel we have done everything possible In terms of preperation although there are a few slayers missing theough injury there are some real promosing youngsters looking to step up to the mark.

"After finishing 3rd Last Year we are looking to go one or hopefully two places better."