ENGLAND’S footballers may be tasked with ending 44 years of World Cup hurt, but Tadcaster Albion manager Paul Marshall is heading straight into a stern defence of the World Cup.

Marshall, who capped his first full season in charge of Albion by leading them to their first ever title – the Northern Counties East League first division crown – today jetted out to the Far East charged with another silverware mission.

He is travelling as a member of the England squad for the Seniors World Cup.

Just 12 months ago he and York-based Graham Bootland were part of the Three Lions’ brigade who lifted the World Cup after beating Australia 1-0 in a tense final in Thailand.

Before accounting for the wizards of Oz they also saw off Iran in the semi-finals, who were represented by no fewer than six players from their 1998 full World Cup squad playing.

England, whose ranks also number Mark Smitheringale, one of Marshall’s backroom staff at Tadcaster Albion, may find the defence of their crown a daunting test.

Marshall, whose plane trip to Thailand was funded by Nether Poppleton-based firm Inspire 2 Independence, said: “It’s an extremely hectic schedule with three group games in as many days.

“And I’m delighted and grateful for the support given me by Inspire 2 Independence.

“Hopefully we can get through the group stages and ultimately still be around to feature in the final on June 5.”

After an acclimatising friendly against Bangkok Veterans, the England team will head for the feted resort of Phuket where they will play their group matches against Armenia on May 31, hosts Thailand the day after, and then Iran on the third day.

Two of those games, including the clash against the hosts, kick off at 4pm local time, the hottest and most humid part of the day.

The other group comprises Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Japan with the top two from both groups advancing to the semi-finals.