ENGLAND'S performances at major tournaments have been extremely underwhelming in recent years, but two electricians from Stockton will aim to surpass their efforts when they take part in the Over-40s Football World Cup this month.

Brothers Gary and George Woodhouse fly out to Thailand next week as part of the England squad looking to bring a piece of silverware back to the country.

The pair, who both work for the same electrical firm, both played in the Northern League under the late Ray Halliday when he managed Billingham Town and Stockton Town in their glory days, as well as winning the Durham Cup playing for Roseworth.

Now, though, in the twilight years of their careers, they will step out for their country when manager Paul Bell's side look to emulate their performance at the competition last year.

An annual event, the Over-40s World Cup is always held in Thailand and attracts countries such as Germany, Scotland, Australia and Iran.

Centre-back Gary, 46, will be playing in his second World Cup after helping England reach the play-off in 2012, but he will be joined by brother George, 48, a striker, for the first time, and it promises to be a special occasion for the pair.

"It's unbelievable really," Gary said. "Especially because both George and I are going together.

"We'll be sharing a room, which will be fun. I just hope we can help the team go far in the tournament. Last time we got to the play-off and beat Scotland 3-2."

Having had relatively successful career in the Northern League, Gary was first contacted about the possibility of representing England by former Darlington midfielder and current Northallerton manager Andy Toman.

"Andy got in touch and said the manager, Paul Bell, was after some players in a certain age group and asked if I was interested," Gary explained.

"Obviously I wasn't going to turn down the opportunity. It's a dream come true to represent your country, even at such a late stage in our football career.

"We've both played to a decent standard in the Northern League, we won cups playing for Billingham Town and Stockton Town, but we've never played at this level.

"There are players from all over the country involved, but we're the only two from the North-East so we're not only representing the country, we're representing the region too."

And despite approaching 50, the pair, whose firm will sponsor their wages while they are over in Thailand, insists they are in great physical condition and are raring to go.

"We did well last year and it was amazing to beat Scotland in the play-off. We've got a got a good squad so we should do well. We're both quite fit for the age that we are, so there are no problems there!"