Four West Cumbrians have been called up to the England Community Lions Youth training squad ahead of the autumn entry to the European Under-19s Championship.

The train-on squad has been named in the build-up to the championship, which will be held in Italy starting on September 3, with Kells brothers James and William Ennis and Hensingham's Aaron Turnbull and Jack Kellett among the 24-man group.

Other Cumbrians in the squad are Evan Jones, Jack Stevenson and Elliott Stockdale (all Dalton).

Originally 32 players were drafted into the squad, which has been cut by eight following a round of trials.

The numbers will reduce further ahead of the trip to Italy, with three players set to be trimmed from the group to leave a final 21-man competition squad.

Youth boss Allan Coleman said: "Two years ago we were beaten in the final of the Euros and eight of the squad signed professionally.

"This year it's a different concept.

"We go to Italy with a new team, a young side, and we are offering opportunity.

"From the BARLA Tri-series last year we brought four more in from Lancashire, two more from Yorkshire and two more from Cumbria.

"They all did well for their community clubs too and earned the right to come into contention.

"I feel what we are doing could be a massive part of making the amateur game great again. I feel that people are now looking towards the Lions as a chance; if they don't get into the pro game, or get released from an academy, there is still an option for them to work hard and come and represent their country and their community clubs."