The manager of a transplanted football team said his team will inspire the country when they compete on the international stage.

Daley Cross, manager of Transplant Sport England, said the team was “living proof” that organ donation works.

His comments came as players trained in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, ahead of the first Transplant Football World Cup in September.

“This is an opportunity to show the world that transplant patients can play football,” Mr Cross said.

The sevens tournament is expected to be the first of its kind when it takes place on the east coast of Italy in Cervia from September 8 to 14.

Mr Cross said he “couldn’t quite believe” that it would actually happen after years of campaigning.

“For every young, aspiring footballer, taking part in a World Cup is the highlight of his career,” he said.

“(The players) can go to a World Cup, play a sport they love and represent their country because someone made the selfless decision to save their lives.”

Essex footballer Jack Booth, who had a transplant at the age of four, said he was “absolutely thrilled” to have been included in the team.

“It shows that there is a goal to strive for. Many people who have had a transplant may think, ‘Oh, that’s it now, there’s nothing more I can do’ – the exact opposite is true,” he added.

“I can’t wait to be there, to be on the pitch and to be the first to touch the ball.”

For Robert Collins, whose uncle donated a kidney to him when he was six years old, the tournament was an opportunity to raise awareness about transplants.

“It’s just a wonderful opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and represent everyone who has worked so hard for me to get here,” said the defensive midfielder from Dunstable.

When asked if England could make it to the end, he replied: “I think we definitely can.”

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