England U17 begin their latest international window today with a first fixture against the Republic of Ireland, with kick-off scheduled for 6.30pm at St George’s Park. The Young Lions, managed by Barry Lewtas, are preparing for the UEFA U17 EURO qualifiers, which begin in November, and this camp will give the head coach an opportunity to test different combinations against Irish opposition in what will be the first test of the international break.
A squad featuring several players to watch
Barry Lewtas has a 28-man squad at his disposal, with several promising players worth keeping a close eye on. In midfield, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli naturally attracts plenty of attention after coming off the bench for Chelsea in their Premier League defeat to Brentford last weekend. That appearance made him the youngest player in the club’s history to feature in the Premier League and the 16th-youngest player in the history of the English top flight, giving him valuable experience at the highest level which he can now bring to the Young Lions.
Alongside him, David Eze (Manchester United), Xavier Parker (Manchester City) and Reggie Watson (Chelsea) provide Lewtas with several options in midfield, while the attack includes the likes of Arsenal duo Mylo Bernard and Vincent Joseph, as well as Manchester City forward Darren Motsi. In defence, Emmanuel Fejokwu, who came through the ranks at Club Brugge and has previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, is also one to watch, alongside Manchester City pair Theo Carrington and Olly Houlihan.
The England U17 starting XI to face the Republic of Ireland :
- Charlie Phillips (Arsenal)
- Jacob Dean-Ford (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Emmanuel Onyeka Fejokwu (Club Brugge)
- Josh Henry (Chelsea)
- Sam O’Brien (Manchester United)
- Xavier Parker (Manchester City)
- Reggie Watson (Chelsea)
- Hezekiah-Daniel Grimwade (Cheslea)
- Oscar Johnson (Aston Villa)
- Jai Nwosu (Brentford)
- Javahn Woode (Manchester City)
