At 5pm this Tuesday evening, England’s U17s will kick off their UEFA U17 European Championship campaign against Belgium at the Stadiumi “Arena Egnatia”, one of four venues in Albania hosting the tournament. Boasting a squad of rare quality at this age group, the Young Lions head into the competition as strong favourites. Their objective is clear: make a statement in their opening fixture and secure one of the top two spots in the group, ideally finishing top to set up a more favourable semi-final against the runner-up of the other pool, which features France, Portugal, Germany and hosts Albania.
England’s Line-Up to Face Belgium :
Manager Neil Ryan named a hugely exciting 21-man squad last week, brimming with talent that has already begun to break through at senior level. Among them are Jack Porter (goalkeeper – Arsenal), Rio Ngumoha (left winger – Liverpool), and Kaden Branthwaite (centre-back – Manchester City), all of whom have featured with their clubs’ senior squads this season.
One particularly eye-catching name is Max Dowman, Arsenal’s attacking midfielder, who, at just 15 years old, is the only player in the squad born in 2009, and he’s set to start in today’s opener. Other names to watch include Finlay Gorman, Manchester City’s dynamic midfielder, as well as attacking duo Rio Ngumoha and Reigan Heskey, the latter being the son of former England international Emile Heskey.
England Starting XI vs Belgium :
- Jack Porter (Arsenal)
- Kaden Branthwaite (Manchester City)
- Jun’ai Byfield (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Dean Benamar (Crystal Palace)
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
- Louis Page (Leicester City)
- Seth Ridgeon (Fulham)
- Bradley Burrowes (Aston Villa)
- Ryan McAidoo (Manchester City)
- Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)
- Alejandro Rodriguez (Olympique Lyonnais)
