World Cup goalkeeper George Pinner believes Holcombe are on the verge of breaking into the big time – and the England stopper wants to be there for the ride.

Pinner is fresh from helping Beeston defend their English championship title against East Grinstead. He’s dropped a level to play for Conference East Holcombe but believes the step down will be only temporary.

“I have not gone there to play in the Conference,” said the goalkeeper, who is preparing for his first World Cup tournament.

“I believe in the next four or five years, they will be competing at the top of the English game and in Europe, as well. I want to be a part of it."

Pinner is joining a team rich with international talent, including three of his England team-mates.

He said: “We’ve all trained together a lot and myself and Iain Lewers are at the back and we’ve got Barry and Dan as well and I understand there are also some exciting young players at Holcombe.”

Pinner can forget the domestic scene now for the next month as he attempts to help England win a medal in Holland.

“We are hopeful and our aim is to win it,” said the keeper, who only recently recovered from a two-month absence with a knee injury.

“It’s the first World Cup for me and I am looking forward to it. It’s going to be massive.”