FIRST-CLASS veteran performances from York teachers Matty Wain and Andy Cox earned them England Senior’s recognition during a week-long trip to Thailand.

The former Selby Town team-mates, who now play together for Harrogate Vets, were called up by their country to play two internationals during the Three Lions tour that was organised to celebrate the King of Thailand’s 90th birthday.

Following the King’s death three weeks earlier, however, the games were played as a mark of respect during the country’s one-month mourning period, with both sides wearing black ribbons.

After losing the first game 1-0 at Bangkok’s Bang Kapi University, England enjoyed a 4-0 triumph two days later in Sa Kaeo, with Cox wrapping up victory following a header from Wain’s free kick.

Cox, playing in the centre of midfield, had earlier headed back a corner for Andy Watt to net the third goal, after attacker Wain had teed up former Harrogate Railway striker Steve Davey for the first goal, with the latter going on to bag a brace.

The 39-year-old pair were two of the youngest squad members in the over-35 side that was predominantly made up of players aged 50-plus, with the eldest 64.

Former York City loan defender Mark Bower was also on the trip, along with fellow ex-professionals Dean Barrick (Doncaster and Sheffield Wednesday) and goalkeeper Darren Heyes (Scunthorpe, Wrexham and Halifax).

During their stay, the England squad visited the Wattana Nakhon and Bannagam schools and ran coaching sessions for students aged five to 15, receiving a police escort for the final two hours of their second trip, close to the Cambodian border.

Wilberfoss striker and ex-Dunnington manager Wain, who lectures York City’s youth team players at York College – a job Cox has done in the past – summed up the memorable tour by saying: “It was a wonderful experience and it was amazing representing my country and singing the national anthem before the games.

“The trips to the schools were the most amazing days which touched all the players, especially myself, who was experiencing Thailand for the first time.”

Cox, who is now a PE teacher in Leeds and has also played for Morecambe, Ossett Town and Goole, added: “Lining up hearing the England national anthem was a very surreal experience that I will never forget or be able to replicate.

“When we stopped for refreshments on the road once, we were also greeted with what I can only imagine is what a professional footballer or pop star would experience. Groups of young people all wanted pictures with us and I was also known as ‘young man’ by the other players, which made a nice change!

“In the games, the Thai players were very good on the ball and very fit, but we defended really well.”