James Dent earns a European Championship call up as the Drennan Team England squad is announced.

This year’s Euros is to be held on Italy’s Bianca Canal in Rovigo on the 20th and 21st of May. The squad includes the experienced and ever-impressive Alan Scotthorne and William Raison, plus Callum Dicks, Matt Godfrey, Matt Derry and debutant James Dent.

James is a former Under 23 international who has earned his place after impressive performances in the last two Home Internationals. Manager Mark Downes commented: “James is an outstanding young angler with a wealth of experience on rivers and he showed his pedigree in the recent Home International at Shrewsbury by winning the two-day event with a perfect 2 point score.

“The two Matts shone in last year’s Europeans in Holland while Callum did brilliantly in last year’s World Championship in Bulgaria.

“With the experience of Will and Alan I feel this team has a chance of improving on last year’s silver medal, although beating the Italians in Italy is never easy.”

England U20s and Daiwa Dorking manager Steve Sanders also joins Mark Downes in a management role, following Mark Addy’s retirement last year. Mark added: “This is a two man job. Steve and myself have worked well together at youth level and we are both excited about taking that into the senior championships. Like myself, Steve likes to win and I am sure our combined experience will help Drennan Team England scoop even more medals.”

The team has been selected early as the event has temporarily moved from the end of June to mid May.