Natalie Henderson Announces England Squad for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Natalie Henderson has unveiled her 21-player squad set to represent England in the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, which will be held in the Dominican Republic later this month. This marks the Young Lionesses‘ third appearance at the global tournament, having secured a spot in the World Cup after reaching the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship final for the first time in history.

England, along with Poland and Spain, will serve as UEFA’s representatives at the tournament, scheduled between October 16 and November 3. The squad is set to begin its campaign on October 17 in Santiago de los Caballeros, facing off against Kenya, followed by matches against Mexico and two-time champions Korea DPR in Group C. Successful teams will progress to the knockout stages.

“We’re really proud to qualify for a World Cup,” Henderson stated. “Playing in a World Cup at any age is a terrific experience, offering both challenges and excitement for our young players. We aim to showcase our skills internationally and relish every moment of this journey.”

Preparations include a training camp in Miami, where the team will gear up for their opening match against Kenya. England fans will have the opportunity to watch the matches live on the FIFA+ streaming platform.

The squad is composed of talented players from various clubs, including goalkeepers Rebekah Dowsett (Leicester City), Hope McSheffrey (Arsenal), and Eva Spencer (Liverpool). The defense will be bolstered by players like Eva Gray (Arsenal), Sophie Harwood (Arsenal), and Cecily Wellesley-Smith (Arsenal/Oxford United). Midfield responsibilities will be shared among players including Emily Cassap (Sunderland) and Vera Jones (Chelsea), while the forward lineup features Isabella Fisher (Arsenal/Ipswich Town) and Jane Oboavwoduo (Manchester City).

The upcoming tournament presents an exciting opportunity for the Young Lionesses to compete against top teams worldwide and develop their international experience in a prestigious setting.