England WU17s squad named for EURO qualifiers in Poland

Kerri Welsh has selected a 21-player squad for round one of qualifying for the 2026 UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship.

The Young Lionesses will begin their bid for a place at the next summer’s finals with three qualifying fixtures in Poland in October.

Welsh’s side first play Scotland on Wednesday 8 October (11am BST at Stadion Miejski Rumii, Rumia) before facing mini-tournament hosts Poland on Saturday 11 October (4pm BST at Stadion Miejski Gdyni, Gdynia) and wrapping up the group against Montenegro at the same venue on Tuesday 14 October (1pm BST).

England are bidding for one of seven spots up for grabs at the European finals, set to be hosted in Northern Ireland next May, and will progress to round two of qualification providing they finish in the top three of the group.

“We're really excited to be back together as we begin our journey to qualify for next summer’s EURO," said Welsh.

"Each game will present a different test and challenge, so we have to make sure we’re fully prepared and focused. Playing in these competitive European matches is a big part of helping our Young Lionesses grow, and it’s going to be such a valuable experience for them as they move forward in the pathway.”

The squad

Goalkeepers: Evie Mitchell (Manchester United), Victoria Rudz (Chelsea)*, Erin Walker (Manchester City)

Defenders: Zoe Ciccardini (Chelsea), Isabella Cowley (Arsenal), Emilie Gay (Bright & Hove Albion), Sadie Gregory (Chelsea), Isla Law (Bristol City), Katie Scott (Aston Villa)

Midfielders: Bryony Brodie (Arsenal), Lottie Day (Sheffield United), Romia Gagliano (FC Basel), Annabelle Tang (Arsenal), Kyri Teer-Hutchins (Arsenal)

Forwards: Cairo Antoine (Arsenal), Sophia Burton (Manchester City), Ella Carr (Austin Sting Soccer), Mia Dixon (Arsenal), Freya Hirons (Manchester City), Chelsea N’Drin (Liverpool), Jane Oboavwoduo (Manchester City)

*Training player