CONCORD Rangers midfielder Alex Woodyard made his international debut for England C today in a 2-1 defeat to Cyprus under-21s.

The 21-year-old came on at half-time, replacing Chester’s Kingsley James, to become the Beach Boys' first ever player to represent the England national team.

England C lost the match at the Ammochotos Stadium in Larnaca, having led at the break, in a match that saw the Cypriot youth side have a man sent off late on.

Woodyard, a former Southend United player, will miss Concord’s match against Whitehawk tonght after he received a late call-up from England C boss Paul Fairclough.

He flew out with the rest of the squad on Sunday, after helping Concord to a goalless draw at Conference South leaders Boreham Wood on Saturday and has been training with them ever since.

Concord Rangers’ chairman Antony Smith tweeted yesterday: “Another great milestone for all at ConcordRangers with AlexWoodyard1 making his England C Debut in Cyprus. Very proud and congrats to all!”

Woodyard, a pivotal figure for Concord this season, will visit a local school in Cyprus tomorrow before returning home later this week with the rest of the non-league based squad.