Arsenal youngsters dominate England U17 team set to challenge Junior Starlets in FIFA World Cup

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Arsenal youngsters dominate England U17 team set to challenge Junior Starlets in FIFA World Cup

Festus Chuma 13:23 - 04.10.2024

Arsenal youngsters headline England's U17 squad as they prepare to face Kenya's Junior Starlets in the FIFA U17 World Cup.

England U-17 women’s head coach Natalie Henderson has named her 21-player squad set to represent the Young Lionesses at the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The tournament, taking place from 16 October to 3 November, sees England return to the competition for the first time since 2016.

The team made history earlier this year by becoming the first England side to reach the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship final securing their spot in the World Cup.

As one of three European representatives, alongside Poland and Spain, England aims to make a deep run in the competition, starting with Group C matches against Kenya, Mexico and two-time champions Korea DPR.

“We’re really proud to qualify for a World Cup and we’re very excited as a group of staff and players to represent England and compete against some of the top teams in the world,” Henderson said ahead of the squad’s departure.

“Playing in a World Cup, at any age, is a terrific experience for our young players, both on and off the pitch, and something we strive for within our pathway.”

The England squad is packed with young talent, many of whom were part of the team that shone at the European Championships. The likes of Katie Cox, Kara Hendry, and Sophia Williams will be hoping to make their mark on the world stage.

While Henderson has selected a youthful group, she believes their recent experiences will serve them well in the pressure-packed tournament environment.

“Being away from home for an extended period of time, playing against other nations, and experiencing different football styles, whilst having to cope with that added level of pressure, are all challenges the squad are excited for. We want to go and show the world what we can do and enjoy every moment along the way,” she added.

England’s road to potential World Cup glory begins with a clash against Kenya.

The Junior Starlets will be making their debut in the tournament and England is well aware of the potential threat posed by underdog teams in international competitions.

However, with a balanced squad featuring exciting attacking options and a strong defense, Henderson’s side will be confident of starting the tournament on the front foot.

Following their match against Kenya, England will face Mexico before a highly anticipated encounter with Korea DPR, a nation with a strong track record in this competition, having won it twice before.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages, and England will be aiming to go far in the tournament.

Fans in Kenya will be able to follow the team’s journey, with all matches set to be streamed live via the FIFA+ platform allowing supporters to watch the action unfold from the comfort of their homes.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Rebekah Dowsett (Leicester City), Hope McSheffrey (Arsenal), Eva Spencer (Liverpool)

Defenders: Eva Gray (Arsenal), Sophie Harwood (Arsenal), Nelly Las (Leicester City), Rachel Maltby (Aston Villa), Niamh Peacock (Arsenal), Zara Shaw (Liverpool), Simone Sherwood (Leicester City), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (Arsenal/Oxford United)

Midfielders: Emily Cassap (Sunderland), Laila Harbert (Arsenal), Vera Jones (Chelsea), Omotara Junaid (Arsenal), Erica Parkinson (FC Valadares)

Forwards: Lola Brown (Chelsea), Denny Draper (Leicester City), Isabella Fisher (Arsenal/Ipswich Town), Jane Oboavwoduo (Manchester City), Lauryn Thompson (Indy Eleven)