U18s squad named for June double-header in Moscow

Friday 22 May 2015
Neil Dewsnip has named his England U18s squad for Russia
Neil Dewsnip has named an 18-man squad to travel to Moscow for the double-header against Russia in June.

England U18s, who defeated Switzerland 1-0 and 6-1 in their last outings in March, will face their hosts at Arena Khimki on Monday 8 June and Wednesday 10 June.

Middlesbrough youngster Harry Chapman and Sheffield United midfielder Louis Reed are both included by head coach Dewsnip after impressing on their first call ups two months ago.

Russia v England

U18s International
Arena Khimki, Moscow
8 and 10 June 2015

There is also a newcomer to the squad, Leicester City defender Elliot Moore being included for the first time.

A number of familiar faces are also selected, whilst Boro’s Dael Fry returns for his first time since October. Fulham’s Patrick Roberts and Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman also come back into the fold after featuring for the U19s in their European Championship Elite Round qualifiers.

Although the England senior side picked up a 1-0 ‘away’ win in Tblisi, Georgia, against Russia in 1986, the Three Lions have not enjoyed victory on Russian soil since a Martin Chivers strike and an own goal secured Sir Alf Ramsey’s side a 2-1 win back in June 1973 – and that stat is one that excites head coach Dewsnip.

“We don’t want easy games – playing for England is not easy otherwise everybody would be doing it and obviously they are not,” Dewsnip told TheFA.com.

“It does need to be testing and I think Russia away will be particularly challenging. We will be going into an interesting and different culture.

“The England senior side has not won in Russia for over 40 years, so this country does not have the best record there but we will be trying to change that. That’s such an exciting challenge in itself.”

Goalkeepers: Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United), Sam Howes (West Ham)

Defenders: Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Elliot Moore (Leicester City), Callum Connolly (Everton), Max Lowe (Derby County), Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Kieran Dowell (Everton)*, Daniel Barlaser (Newcastle United)*, Liam Walsh (Everton), Luke Amos (Tottenham Hotspur), Louis Reed (Sheffield United), Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur), Sheyi Ojo (Liverpool)

Forwards: Patrick Roberts (Fulham), Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Adam Armstrong (Newcastle United), Karlan Ahearne-Grant (Charlton)

* Replaces Harrison Chapman (Middlesbrough)

* Replaces Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur)
By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer