From 3 to 27 November, England U17 are competing at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar with one clear ambition: to shine on the international stage and challenge for the title with a squad that, on paper, looks more than capable. However, their opening fixture against Venezuela did not go to plan. Despite a bright start, numerous chances and an overall encouraging performance, the Young Lions fell to a 3–0 defeat – a scoreline largely explained by the opponents’ clinical finishing. This second outing, against Haiti – regarded as the weakest side in the group – offers the perfect opportunity to reset, regain momentum and secure a first win in the competition.
An U18 generation chasing the world title
England’s squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup does not reflect the most recent U17 call-ups; instead, it is built around the U18 group competing during the 2025–26 season. This strategic approach, dictated by the qualification schedule, allows Neil Ryan to rely on a 2008-born cohort already well-acquainted with international football.
The 21-man roster travelled to Qatar after a training camp in October which included two fixtures against France at St George’s Park: a 1–0 win followed by a 2–2 draw – results that highlighted the group’s solidity and growing cohesion.
In September, the Young Lions had already showcased their potential by defeating Uzbekistan (3–1), Morocco (4–1) and Canada (3–2) at the Costa de la Luz Tournament. All three opponents are also World Cup participants, giving England an ideal platform to test themselves against varied styles and refine their game.
The squad features outstanding talent from some of Europe’s most prestigious academies – including Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Lyonnais, the latter represented by Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, the only player in the group currently based abroad. Figures such as Reigan Heskey (son of former England international Emile Heskey), Landon Emenalo and Bendito Mantato embody this ambitious new generation.
Gomes Rodríguez, currently at Lyon, enjoyed an outstanding campaign last year with England’s youth sides: nine goals in ten games with the U17s and two strikes in five appearances for the U18s. This match could present the perfect opportunity for him to open his World Cup account and build confidence heading into the remainder of the tournament.
England starting XI to face Haïti :
- 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)
- Reggie Walsh (Chelsea)
- Luca Williams-Barnett (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Ryan McAidoo (Manchester City)
- Reigan Heskey (Manchester City)
- Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez (Olympique Lyonnais)
