From 3 to 27 November, England U17 are competing at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar with one clear objective: to shine on the global stage and bring the trophy home, armed with a squad that looks highly competitive on paper.
However, their tournament opener against Venezuela did not go to plan. Despite a bright start, numerous chances and an overall decent performance, the Young Lions fell to a 3–0 defeat, undone above all by a stark contrast in ruthlessness. An 8–1 win over Haiti in their second fixture has restored hope, leaving the situation perfectly clear: only a win in their final group match will do if England are to qualify — most likely as runners-up, assuming Venezuela defeat Haiti at the same time.
A U18 Group Chasing World Cup Glory
England’s squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup does not reflect the most recent U17 call-ups, but instead corresponds to the U18 group for the 2025–26 season. This selection, shaped by the qualification calendar, allows head coach Neil Ryan to draw upon a 2008 crop that already boasts solid international experience.
The 21-player squad heading to Qatar recently took part in an October training camp featuring two friendlies against France at St George’s Park: a 1–0 win and a 2–2 draw, two results that showcased the team’s cohesion and resilience.
Back in September, the Young Lions also impressed at the Costa de la Luz tournament, dispatching Uzbekistan (3–1), Morocco (4–1) and Canada (3–2). All three opponents are also World Cup qualifiers, providing England with valuable tests against contrasting styles while fine-tuning their own patterns of play.
The squad draws its depth from some of Europe’s most prestigious academies, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and, notably, Lyon — home to Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez, the team’s sole overseas-based player. The blend of technical ability and athletic quality is striking. The likes of Reigan Heskey (son of former England striker Emile Heskey), Landon Emenalo and Bendito Mantato embody this ambitious new generation.
Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez, the only squad member playing abroad (Olympique Lyonnais, France), posted remarkable numbers last season with England’s youth sides: 9 goals in 10 matches for the U17s and 2 goals in 5 appearances for the U18s.
England’s Starting XI to Face Egypt
- Jack Porter (Arsenal FC)
- Dante Headley (Manchester City)
- Freddie Simmonds (Brighton and Hove Albion)
- Kaden Braithwaite (Manchester City)
- Bendito Mantato (Manchester United)
- Seth Ridgeon (Fulham FC)
- Louis Page (Leicester City)
- Luca Williams-Barnett (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Bradley Burrowes (Aston Villa)
- Reigan Heskey (Manchester City)
- Chizaram Ezenwata (Chelsea)
