England U17, managed by Neil Ryan, are preparing to take part in this year’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship, which will take place in Albania from 19 May to 1 June. Drawn in a competitive group alongside Belgium, Italy and the Czech Republic, the Young Lions will kick off their campaign on 20 May. A strong start will be crucial, as only the top two sides in the group progress to the semi-finals, where topping the group would offer a potentially more favourable draw against the runner-up from the opposite group, which includes heavyweights France, Portugal, Germany and hosts Albania.
A trophy within reach for a richly talented squad
England’s U17s come into the tournament in fine form. The side began the year in emphatic style with two friendly wins over the Netherlands on Portuguese soil : a thrilling 3-2 victory followed by a commanding 4-0 result. These matches allowed Neil Ryan to assess his squad in a competitive environment and begin shaping the team’s identity ahead of the Euros.
In the Elite Round of qualifying, the Young Lions were equally impressive. Wins over Israel (18 March), Slovenia (22 March), and Northern Ireland (25 March) saw England score ten goals while conceding just twice, confirming their place at the finals and helping Ryan lock in his final selection.
Midfield will be a key area for England, with dynamic players like Finlay Gorman and 15-year-old Max Dowman, the youngest in the squad, expected to provide the crucial link between defence and attack. Up front, attacking talents such as Rio Ngumoha and Reigan Heskey (son of former England striker Emile Heskey) will be relied upon to unlock tight defences and convert chances when it matters most.
Full squad list :
Goalkeepers :
Lanre Awesu (West Ham United), Freddy Bernal (Chelsea), Jack Porter (Arsenal)
Defenders :
Kaden Braithwaite (Manchester City), Jun’ai Byfield (Tottenham Hotspur), Malachi Hardy (Tottenham Hotspur), Freddie Simmonds (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Midfielders :
Max Dowman (Arsenal), Finlay Gorman (Manchester City), Landon Emenalo (Chelsea), Louis Page (Leicester City), Seth Ridgeon (Fulham), Luca Williams-Barnett (Tottenham Hotspur), Bradley Burrowes (Aston Villa)
Forwards :
Bendito Mantato (Manchester United), Reigan Heskey (Manchester City), Harry Howell (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ryan McAidoo (Manchester City), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Alejandro Rodriguez (Olympique Lyonnais), Harry Gray (Leeds United)
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