At 7:30pm this Friday, at the SMH Group Stadium in Chesterfield, England U20 return to action with a one-off friendly against Italy. Up against a Squadra Azzurra renowned for their tactical discipline and defensive resilience, the Young Lions will look to showcase their attacking firepower and technical quality. This match offers a valuable platform for several players eager to confirm their promise after breaking through at senior level last season.
England line-up against Italy :
Head coach Ben Futcher has named an exciting 22-man squad. While most are graduates of last year’s U19 group, several already have senior experience under their belts. Liverpool striker Jayden Danns, who netted twice in the FA Cup, is among the standout names, as is Lewis Orford – handed his West Ham debut last season and now tipped to cement a starting role on loan at Stevenage in League One. At the back, Harrison Murray-Campbell recently signed his first professional deal with Chelsea and looks set to be a cornerstone of the defence.
Other key figures to watch include Chelsea midfielder Harrison McMahon, a consistent performer throughout the youth set-up, and Joel Ndala. The Hull City winger, on loan from Manchester City, arrives with a big reputation after a standout U18 season and a memorable U17 World Cup in 2023, where he finished as the tournament’s top dribbler.
England’s starting XI to face Italy :
- Sam Proctor (Aston Villa)
- Ayden Heaven (Manchester United)
- Harrison Murray-Campbell (Chelsea)
- Zach Abbott (Nottingham Forest)
- Jayden Meghoma (Rangers FC)
- Lewis Orford (Stevenage)
- Law McCabe (Plymouth Argyle)
- Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (Aston Villa)
- Joel Ndala (Hull City)
- Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (RC Strasbourg)
- Jayden Danns (Liverpool)
