England U17 begin their qualification campaign for the 2026 U17 European Championship this Tuesday, with a squad made up nearly exclusively of players born in 2009 – a group entirely separate from the one currently competing at the U17 World Cup in Qatar. While the situation may seem confusing at first glance, it is simply due to a scheduling overlap between qualification windows for the two competitions. As a result, Liam Bramley is in charge of the 2009 age group, while Neil Ryan continues to lead the 2008 generation at the World Cup.
The European journey begins for the 2009 generation
The 2009-born Young Lions kick off their qualifying campaign in Scotland, with three matches scheduled: against Scotland on Tuesday 28 October in Airdrie, then versus Lithuania on 31 October, and finally against Sweden on 3 November in Cumbernauld. The squad has already shown real promise after a perfect September international break, where they defeated Venezuela, Israel and Germany in friendly fixtures.
Liam Bramley has selected a 22-man group for these qualifiers, including several players who were already involved in September. A few new faces join the squad as well, such as goalkeeper Tommy Betts (Sheffield United), Chelsea midfielder Charlie Holland – earning his first U17 call-up – and Arsenal striker Kyran Thompson. Also included is Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli (Chelsea), born in 2010, who continues to gradually integrate into this older age category.
There is once again a spot for FC Metz striker Brian Madjo. Born in London but developed in Luxembourg, the forward has already represented Luxembourg at both youth and senior level in friendly matches. During the September break, he declined a call-up from the Luxembourg federation to take time to reflect on his international future, eventually accepting England’s invitation.
England U17 full squad for the 2026 U17 European Championship qualifiers :
Goalkeepers :
- Tommy Betts (Sheffield United)
- Isaac Collinson (Chelsea)
- George Mair (Newcastle United)
Defenders :
- Marlow Barrett (Manchester City)
- Calvin Diakite (Chelsea)
- Reuben Gokah (Everton)
- Josiah King (Arsenal)
- Marli Salmon (Arsenal)
- Oscar Sandiford (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Archie Thornton (Manchester City)
Midfielders :
- Sam Alabi (Newcastle United)
- Hugo De Lisle (Leicester City)
- Charlie Holland (Chelsea)
- Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli (Chelsea)
- Malik Olayiwola (Everton)
Forwards :
- Kyran Thompson (Arsenal)
- Oliver Boast (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Joél Drakes-Thomas (Crystal Palace)
- Ryan Kavuma-McQueen (Chelsea)
- Brian Madjo (FC Metz)
- Ajay Tavares (Norwich City)
