England over-75s hope to retain World Cup title

It will be the furthest the team's captain, Geoff Martel has travelled

England men's over-75s are set to take part in the Veterans Football World Cup in Japan in the hope of retaining their title, led by their Guernseyman captain.

The competition kicks off in at the Komazawa Olympic Park in Tokyo from 1 October.

In 2024, the squad beat the host side, Wales, in a penalty shoot-out to win the trophy.

Team captain Geoff Martel said: "I think we've got a strong enough team, I think it's as strong as we had last year and we managed to win it so I'd hope we'd get to at least the semi-finals."

Mr Martel said "all you can do, [is] go out there, enjoy it and play your best and if you do your best that's all you can ask of players".

The squad will play two one-hour matches each day, playing Japan and Germany on day one and then Taiwan and America on the second.

The captain said the 14-hour trip would be the longest flight he had taken.

"It's a bit daunting because it's a long way to go and play football." he said.

"You don't have many chances in life to be able to, you know, do this sort of thing and I'm just proud."