Halesowen's Jordan Staten will be hoping to anchor England Schools to Centenary Shield glory after being selected as part of this year’s national side.

17-year-old Staten, a current student at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, will be aiming to help England Schools to back-to-back Centenary Shield titles as his side face Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales when the tournament kicks off next month. Staten said: 

"It’s an honour to have been picked to represent England Schools and I can’t wait to help the side try and keep hold of the Centenary Shield. 

"We’ve had a couple of training sessions already and the group have bonded really well – having three other lads from Hartpury really helps as we have a good understanding of each other’s games.”
 
The defender, who studied at Windsor High School, was previously on the books of Championship side Burton Albion and more recently League Two’s Cheltenham Town before moving to Hartpury College to study A Levels and continue his football development. He added:
 
“It wasn’t an easy decision to move away from the mainstream football route after being released by Burton and Cheltenham but Hartpury have given me a chance to continue playing football at a high level while I also study for my A Levels. 

"I wouldn’t have been representing England Schools had I not come here, I’m sure of that.
 
“The setup here has helped me to focus on my studies and getting my A Levels but also fit in my football at the same time without one or the other being affected.”
 
Staten is one of four Hartpury students who made the grade for England Schools. The centre back is joined by Kingsford Adjei, Frank Arhin and Max Harris in the squad, giving Hartpury the highest number of representatives.
 
The defender has been a key part of the Hartpury team over the last two years, helping the college side to win the England Schools Under-18s trophy last season as well as being an integral player in this year’s team’s run to the semi-finals of the same competition this year.
 
Staten will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of a number of students who have come to Hartpury to study before finding their way back into the professional game.