March 14, 1945
Fifteen star footballers from Britain – 13 English, one Scottish and one Irish – are included in the party of Services players which the FA are taking to the Continent next week for two England v Belgium matches at venues to be announced later on March 24 and 25.
The players are: Frank Swift (Manchester City and England), Bert Sproston (Manchester City and England), George Hardwick (Middlesbrough and England), Matt Busby (Liverpool and Scotland), Joe Mercer (Everton and England), George Smith (Charlton Athletic), Neil Franklin (Stoke and England), Stanley Matthews (Stoke and England), Robert Brown (Charlton Athletic and England), Stan Mortenson (Blackpool and England), Leslie Smith (Brentford and England), Maurice Edelston (Reading and England), Alex Stevenson (Everton and Ireland), will travel if accommodation permits.
FA and Scottish Service teams have previously visited the Continent this season.
(Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail: March 14, 1945)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 