KEEN footballer Darren Stowe is on target to make it a double for Burnley when he joins team mate Ben Brotherton playing for England.

Darren and Ben, both 17, play for Burnley Community Team and now both have been selected for the 16-strong England squad entering the World Cup for players with learning difficulties.

Ben plays left midfield and Darren plays right midfield.

Darren is from a sporting family with his older brother Dean a former professional with Hull and his cousin Warren Stowe a professional middleweight boxer.

Ben was selected for the first team out of 50 hopefuls and this week illness among other first team players saw Darren promoted from the reserves to the England squad.

His mum Maria Dicioccio, of Wavell Street, Burnley, said: "He has done very well to be selected.

"He is a fan of Manchester United and has been keen on football since he played with Calder View Special School."

Like Ben's mum Julia, Maria is also hoping a company will sponsor Darren's travelling expenses.

The team is run by Anthony Ruth and John Melvin who are delighted to have two players picked for the England squad.

The matches, against 31 other national teams, will be played from the end of July to August 12 at Leicester City's ground.

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