Hereford United central defender Tamika Mkandawire has retained his place in the England National Game Xl squad to take on Italy in the European Challenge Trophy at Cambridge United next Wednesday.

But there is disappointment for Bulls midfielder Rob Purdie who has been omitted from the final 16 after being selected in manager Paul Fairclough's initial 26-man squad.

Mkandawire played in England's 2-0 win over Belgium back in November when Hereford striker Danny Carey-Bertram - another omission this time around - bagged England's second goal.

The other England goal that night was scored by York City's Andy Bishop, who is included against Italy .

Eight of the squad, who are all under 23, were included in the team which faced Belgium.

England squad: Shwan Jalal (Woking), Paul Jones (Exeter City), Chris Blackburn (Morecambe), David Bampton (Tamworth), Kieran Charnock (Northwich Victoria), Ryan Austin (Burton), Tamika Mkandawire (Hereford United), David Perkins (Morecambe), Michael Carr (Northwich Victoria), Carl Baker (Southport), Craig Mackail-Smith (Dagenham & Redbridge), Ian Craney (Accrington Stanley), Gary Roberts (Accrington Stanley), Jon Shaw (Burton), Andrew Bishop (York City), George Boyd (Stevenage).