England WU19s squad named for start of Euro qualifying campaign

England return to action next week for round one of qualifying for the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship in Czech Republic.

Gemma Davies will take the squad on the short journey to the Republic of Ireland for a mini-tournament played in Limerick involving the hosts, Northern Ireland and Switzerland. 

Davies said: “It will be a privilege to lead an England squad for the first time and I am really looking forward to the group showing what they are capable of over the three matches. 

“Sarina Wiegman has shown with the seniors that she will give young players a chance. Our U19s should see this as an opportunity to develop as England players on and off the pitch and first and foremost enjoy the experience of representing their country. 

“We want to qualify for the next round, not only with the finals in mind but also to ensure we can get more quality matches.”

The Young Lionesses will start against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday 20 October, with kick-off 7pm, before taking on Northern Ireland three days later (Saturday 23 October, kick-off 2pm) on the same day that the senior sides will meet at Wembley Stadium connected by EE in senior EURO qualifying.  

The group will finish Tuesday 26 October (kick-off 1pm) when they face Switzerland, with the top three teams progressing to the second round next year. 

Ultimately, from the 52 countries that entered overall, seven teams will qualify for the eight-nation finals in the Czech Republic to be played between 27 June and 9 July, with the hosts also taking part.

It all caps a busy month for England teams, with the WU17s under Lydia Bedford reaching their own EURO second round earlier this month, while the seniors will take on Northern Ireland at home and Latvia away on 23 and 26 October respectively. 

On 25 October, the WU23s led by Mo Marley, will also travel for an international in Belgium.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Khiara Keating (AFC Fylde, loan from Manchester City), Eleanor Heeps (Blackburn Rovers, loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: Teyah Goldie (Arsenal), Olivia McLoughlin (Aston Villa), Jorja Fox (Chelsea), Caitlin Smith (Clemson University), Lucy Parry (Liverpool), Ruby Mace (Manchester City), Tara Bourne (Sheffield United, loan from Manchester United)

Midfielders: Laura Brown (Aston Villa), Maisie Symonds (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mia Ross (Charlton Athletic), Charlotte Wardlaw (Liverpool, loan from Chelsea), Grace Clinton (Everton), Lucia Kendall (Southampton)

Forwards: Alex Hennessy (Arsenal), Freya Gregory (Aston Villa), Missy Goodwin (Aston Villa), Aggie Beever-Jones (Bristol City, loan from Chelsea), Lucy Watson (Sheffield United)