England WU23s to play Portugal in Shrewsbury

England will begin their bid to be crowned the first winners of the WU23 European competition when they welcome Portugal to the Croud Meadow Stadium, home of Shrewsbury Town, on Tuesday 29 October (5.30pm kick-off).

Tickets for the first home fixture of the season, which is in the half-term week, can be purchased via this link, priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for U14s.

Shrewsbury is a familiar home for the Young Lionesses who also kicked-off the 2023-24 season at the Croud Meadow, with a record crowd for the age group turning out to witness a 3-0 victory against Belgium. Grace Clinton, Jess Naz and Aggie Beever-Jones all started in that match and went on to make their senior England debuts later in the season.

The European competition was introduced to bridge the gap between the end of the development pathway and senior international football, with Emma Coates’ side going unbeaten last season.

The format of the competition has been enhanced for the 2024-25 campaign, with a group stage, semi-finals and final, as well as a third and fourth placed play-off. England are in Group B alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Portugal, whilst France, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Germany make up Group A.

Emma Coates said: “We’re really looking forward to returning to Shrewsbury Town – the match last year set the tone for what was a brilliant season for our Young Lionesses.

"Portugal are a good side so it promises to be an exciting game. We want to start the season strongly and it always gives the players a boost to perform in front of an engaged crowd. I’d encourage the fans to get their tickets and come and see the next generation of Lionesses in action.”