Young Lionesses squad named for FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup | OneFootball

Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images

England’s squad has been named for the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup which is being staged by the Dominican Republic later this month.

Head coach Natalie Henderson told englandfootball.com: “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.

“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.

“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.”

The Young Lionesses who will travel first for a prep camp in Miami next week, begin against Kenya on Friday 18 October. The following Monday they meet Mexico, before finishing their group fixtures against North Korea on Thursday 24 October. All three ties kick off at 12am BST at the CFC Stadium, in Santiago de los Caballeros.

England WU17 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)

Top-four clashes in the FA Women’s National League