From 3 to 27 November, England U17 will take part in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, heading into the tournament with a clear goal — to shine on the global stage and challenge for the title with a side full of quality and confidence. Under Neil Ryan’s guidance, it will in fact be the U18 generation — players born in 2008 — representing the Three Lions, due to the qualification cycle that began over a year ago. After a strong preparation period, highlighted by wins against other qualified nations and two encouraging matches against France, the Young Lions enter the World Cup brimming with self-belief and determination.
The U18 generation carrying England’s World Cup hopes
England’s squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup doesn’t reflect the most recent U17 call-ups, but rather the current U18 group for the 2025–26 season. This structure, shaped by the qualification schedule, allows Neil Ryan to rely on a 2008-born cohort already seasoned at international level.
The 21-man squad selected for Qatar recently took part in an October training camp at St. George’s Park, where they faced France twice — earning a 1–0 win and a 2–2 draw — results that showcased the team’s growing solidity and chemistry.
In September, England had already impressed by winning all three matches at the Costa de la Luz Tournament in Spain, beating Uzbekistan (3–1), Morocco (4–1) and Canada (3–2). Those fixtures, against fellow World Cup qualifiers, provided valuable experience against contrasting footballing styles and helped fine-tune England’s tactical identity.
This squad blends technical flair and physical strength, drawing players from some of Europe’s most prestigious academies — Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Fulham and even Lyon, with Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez the only player based abroad. The likes of Reigan Heskey (son of former England striker Emile Heskey), Landon Emenalo, and Bendito Mantato embody the ambition and maturity of this promising generation.
A challenging schedule and lofty ambitions
England will kick off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday 4 November against Venezuela, before facing Haiti on Friday 7 November and rounding off the group stage against Egypt on Monday 10 November. All matches will be played at the Aspire Football Zone in Doha, with live coverage on FIFA+, and the final set for 27 November at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The newly expanded 48-team format introduces a round of 32 knockout stage, making every group match critical.
Head coach Neil Ryan has built a squad that strikes a fine balance between experience and youthful energy. Players such as Jack Porter (Arsenal), Kaden Braithwaite (Fulham), Igor Tyjon (Blackburn Rovers) and Dylan Moody (Southampton) have already featured in senior or domestic cup fixtures, bringing valuable match experience to the group.
With five wins and one draw from six matches this season, England’s form could hardly be better. Their fluid, versatile style — built on technical precision and collective strength — gives them every chance of lifting the U17 World Cup for the second time, following their historic triumph in 2017.
England squad for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup – Qatar
Goalkeepers:
Jack Porter (Arsenal)
Lanre Awesu (West Ham United FC)
Dylan Moody (Southampton)
Defenders:
Dante Headley (Manchester City)
Landon Emenalo (Chelsea FC)
Jun’ai Byfield (Tottenham Hotspur)
Freddie Simmonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Kaden Braithwaite (Manchester City)
Bendito Mantato (Manchester United)
Midfielders:
Harrison Miles (Manchester City)
Seth Ridgeon (Fulham)
Luca Williams-Barnett (Tottenham Hotspur)
Bradley Burrowes (Aston Villa FC)
Reggie Walsh (Chelsea FC)
Louis Page (Leicester City)
Forwards:
Ryan McAidoo (Manchester City)
Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez (Olympique Lyonnais)
Tynan Thompson (Tottenham Hotspur)
Reigan Heskey (Manchester City)
Igor Tyjon (Blackburn Rovers)
Chizaram Ezenwata (Chelsea FC)
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