This Wednesday at 7 PM, on one of the northernmost pitches in Wales, in Bangor, England’s U19 team will kick off their qualification campaign for the U19 Euro, which will take place from June 13 to 26, 2025, should they secure a final qualification spot. Facing the young talents of Wales in an all-British clash, the Young Lions will be favourites but must avoid any slip-ups to maximise their chances of reaching the U19 Euros and get their campaign off to the best possible start before their next two matches against Turkey (on the 22nd) and Portugal (on the 25th), a game that, if logic prevails, should determine which team books their ticket to the tournament.
England and Wales Starting Lineups for Tonight’s Match :
It was a highly promising 21-man squad named by Will Antwi less than a week ago, with several players already racking up significant first-team minutes for their respective clubs this season. Among them are Tyler Dibling (Right Winger – Southampton), Mikey Moore (Left Winger – Tottenham Hotspur), and Chris Rigg (Central Midfielder – Sunderland, where he is already a nailed-on starter). Additionally, a standout young talent in the squad is 17-year-old Manchester City centre-back Stephen Mfuni, who will be in the starting XI tonight.
On the other side, Wales’ youngsters, playing in front of their home crowd, also have plenty of attacking weapons to try and impose their style. One of their key players is Norwich City’s attacking midfielder Elliot Myles, who is playing a year up and previously represented England at U16 and U17 levels. The other major threat will come from the number 9 position, occupied by Gabriele Biancheri. The Manchester United forward has been prolific in the U18 Premier League this season, netting nine goals in ten appearances. His finishing ability and versatility, capable of playing across the entire frontline will be closely monitored by the England defence, who will hope to keep the Cardiff-born striker as uninvolved as possible.
England and Wales Starting XIs :
Wales :
- Lewys Benjamin (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City)
- Brayden Clarke (Arsenal)
- Luey Giles (Cardiff City)
- Sam Parker (Swansea City)
- Charlie Crew (Doncaster Rovers, On Loan From United)
- Vimal Yoganathan (Oldham Athletic, On Loan From Barnsley)
- Troy Perrett (Cardiff City)
- Elliot Myles (Norwich City)
- Freddie Issaka (Plymouth Argyle)
- Gabriele Biancheri (Manchester United)
England :
- Tommy Setford (Arsenal)
- Zach Abbott (Nottingham Forest)
- Joe Johnson (Luton Town)
- Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
- Triston Rowe (Aston Villa)
- Lewis Miley (Newcastle United)
- Josh King (Fulham)
- Kiano Dyer (Chelsea)
- Tyrique George (Chelsea)
- Tyler Dibling (Southampton)
- Ethan Wheatley (Walsall FC, On Loan From Manchester United)
