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Two Kent schools will be taking a particularly close interest in Euro 2016 which starts today - with former pupils featuring in the England squad.
Chris Smalling, who went to Chatham Grammar School for Boys, and Ryan Bertrand, who attended Robert Napier School in Gillingham, are both in France preparing for England’s first match against Russia tomorrow night.
Full-back Bertrand, 26, began his career at Gillingham FC before signing for Chelsea in July 2005 and playing in the Champions League final.
He moved to Southampton last year for an undisclosed fee, estimated to be around £10 million.
He made his England debut in August 2012 and also played for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.
Andrew Minchin, head teacher of Robert Napier, said: “We are very proud to have ex-student Ryan Bertrand in the England squad for Euro 2016.
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"The school has a very good relationship with Ryan and he keeps in touch with our PE department on a regular basis.
“Ryan tries to visit the school each year on sports day where commitments allow. Ryan is kindly donating a signed England shirt to the school which will be showcased very proudly.
"We wish him and England good luck in France in the coming weeks.
“We also work very closely with Ryan’s mum and the company DOMEG Money Matters as they do some great work with our students on a finance education initiative – raising awareness of the rising teenage debt problem across the country and ways to manage their future finances.”
Ryan tweeted on Tuesday: “Good days fitness for me and training for the team. We can’t wait to get started.. #EURO2016 #TogetherForEngland”.
Chris Smalling, 26, who captained his country for the first time in the friendly against Australia last month, went to the former Ridge Meadow Primary School and Chatham Grammar School for Boys.
The start of his football career saw him play for Maidstone United and Fulham before moving to Manchester United. He was voted player of the year for this season.
