England WU19s begin bid for EURO qualification

Written by:

Beth McHugh

Lauren Smith has named a 20-strong squad for round one of qualifying for the 2025 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.

PLAY WOMEN AND GIRLS' FOOTBALL

The Young Lionesses will begin their bid for qualification for next summer’s tournament which will be hosted by Poland in June with three qualifying fixtures, also hosted in Poland.

Smith’s side first face Turkey, before taking on Italy and wrapping up the first round against the hosts Poland, who have already qualified for next summer’s finals. England are vying for one of the remaining seven spots up for grabs at the European finals and will progress to round two of qualification providing they finish in the top three of the four-team qualification group.

The WU19s were recently crowned champions of the Algarve Cup, in what was Smith’s first camp in charge.

The WU19s go into first round of qualifying in strong form, having recently beaten the Netherlands and Norway to be crowned champions of the Algarve Cup, in what was Smith’s first camp in charge.

Wednesday 27 November
England v Turkey
13:00 GMT KO, Stadion Miejski v Nysie, Nysa

Saturday 30 November
England v Italy
12:00 GMT KO, MOSIR Brzeg

Tuesday 3 December
Poland v England
12:00 GMT KO, MOSIR Brzeg

Lauren Smith said: “It’s not easy to qualify for a European Championships, you have to be one of the best teams on the continent to do so. We’re looking forward to the test and having the chance to play against three strong opponents who each present a different challenge. Playing in tournament finals is so important for young player development in international football, so we’re ready to give it our all to ensure we’re in the hat for the next round of qualifying.”

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Eve Annets (Manchester City on loan to Portsmouth), Katie Cox (Chelsea)

Defenders: Araya Dennis (Tottenham Hotspur), Sophie Harwood (Arsenal), Issy Hobson (Everton), Lucy Newell (Manchester United), Simone Sherwood (Leicester City), Codie Thomas (Manchester City), Mari Ward (Bristol City)

Midfielders: Lily Dent (Brighton & Hove Albion on loan to Portsmouth), Maddy Earl (Arsenal on loan to Bristol City), Chloe Hylton (Carolina Ascent), Vivienne Lia (Arsenal), Lexi Potter (Chelsea on loan to Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Princess Ademiluyi (West Ham on loan to Charlton Athletic), Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion), Ava Baker (Birmingham City), Jessie Gale (Arsenal dual registered with Watford), Lily Murphy (Manchester City), Ruby-Rae Tucker (Aston Villa)