Today is the first day of the Home International between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Last year’s event was held on the Newry Canal in Ireland and saw Drennan Team England  post a convincing win. This year’s competition is on the River Severn in Shrewsbury and it looks like England and reigning European Champions Wales are the pre-match joint favourites.

The picturesque Shrewsbury town centre section hosting the event has been fishing well leading up to the event and, although the large head of migratory dace have yet to arrive in numbers, there are already plenty of roach to target with perch and occasional chub also figuring in catches. Roach of well over a pound are not uncommon on this length, so it will be interesting to see how they respond to an international-style approach with bloodworm and joker in groundbait.

Rod and line tactics are also going to be vital, with waggler and bolo rods also being set up by all four nations.

Drennan Team England’s squad is a talented mix of youth and experience and includes William Raison, Callum Dicks, Lee Kerry, Matt Godfrey, Matt Derry, James Dent and Cameron Hughes. All seven will be fishing both days. They now have two exciting four-hour matches to try and hold onto the title they won so convincingly last year.