Accrington Stanley captain Peter Cavanagh has teamed up with the England National Game XI squad as they bid to retain the Four Nations title.

Cavanagh travelled to the Highlands of Scotland yesterday in preparation for their games against the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

England begin their defence of the title, which they won in Wales last year, with a match against the Republic of Ireland at Deveronvale FC tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

They then take on Wales at Keith FC on Thursday (kick-off 7.45pm) before a showdown with Scotland at Devonrale FC on Sunday (kick-off 3.30pm).

The full squad for the tournament is: Matt Baker (Hereford United), Danny McDonnell (Worcester City), David Perkins (Morecambe), Peter Cavanagh (Accrington Stanley), Matt Redmile (Unattached), Jon Boardman (Woking), Andy Tretton (Hereford United), Jake Sedgemore (Shrewsbury Town),

Gary Thompson (Morecambe), Gareth Sheldon (Exeter City), Sam Ricketts (Telford United), Scott Kerr (Scarborough), Steve Guinan (Cheltenham Town), Liam Hatch (Barnet), David McNiven (Leigh RMI), Glen Southam (Dagenham & Redbridge), Amos Foyewa (Woking).

Meanwhile, Iraq's senior national team will play the England National Game XI during their Goodwill Tour to the UK next week.

The match will take place at Macclesfield Town's Moss Rose next Thursday (kick-off 7.30pm).

Tickets are available now, priced £5 for adults and £2 for concessions on 01625 264686.

The England squad finishes the summer with an away fixture against the United States in Charleston on Wednesday June 9, with the likelihood that further changes to the England squad will be made.

The last time the two sides met, England won 2-1 at Stevenage Borough in 2002.