England U17 Players
UEFA European U17 Championship
First Qualifying Round
26-31 October 2009
England, Azerbaijan, Serbia and Kazakhstan
Baku, Azerbaijan
Goalkeepers
Name: Jack Butland
DOB: 10/03/93
Club: Birmingham City
Jack will be hoping to push for a place in the starting eleven after keeping a clean sheet in England's opening Victory Shield win over Northern Ireland in 2008. Played against Turkey in The FA International U17 Tournament.
Name: Samuel Johnstone
DOB: 25/03/93
Club: Manchester United
Tall and athletic, Samuel made his first appearance for the England U16 team against Scotland in November 2008 and produced a fine display, commanding his area and pulling off a few excellent saves. Called up to the U17 squad for the UEFA European U17 Championship and turned out against Turkey in the final group game whilst still a year younger than his colleagues.
Defenders
Name: Nathaniel Chalobah
DOB: 12/12/94
Club: Chelsea
Still a year younger than most of this squad, Nathaniel is a versatile player who can turn out in central defence, right-back and even central midfield if required.
Name: Luke Garbutt
DOB: 21/05/93
Club: Everton
A left-back who has previously represented the U16s and has become a regular in John Peacock's U17 squad last season, whilst still a year young for this age group. Capable of playing at centre back or left midfield if required. Scored his first England goal in the UEFA European U17 Championship in Germany. Transferred from Leeds to Everton in the summer of 2009.
Name: Louis Laing
DOB: 06/03/93
Club: Sunderland
A dominant central defender with good aerial ability, Louis is a formidable opponent for any forward. Captained the U16s against Wales in 2008 and looked assured against Scotland in the last match. Lifted the Victory Shield alongside Luke Garbutt. Played against Turkey in the U17 Euros in 2009.
Name: Jack Robinson
DOB: 01/09/93
Club: Liverpool
Comfortable at left-back or in the heart of defence, Jack is an excellent reader of the game with a fine pass. First call-up for the U17s.
Name: Tom Thorpe
DOB: 13/01/93
Club: Manchester United
A tall and athletic central defender. A right-footed player, he is assured on the ball and a good passer out of defence as well as offering an aerial threat in the opposing box.
Name: Andre Wisdom
DOB: 09/05/93
Club: Liverpool
Andre is a tall, imposing defender who starred for the U16s in last season's Victory Shield. Can also turn out in centre midfield.
Midfielders
Name: Ross Barkley
DOB: 05/12/93
Club: Everton
A box-to-box midfielder, Ross receives his first U17 call-up after some impressive performances for the U16s last season. Scored England's third goal against Northern Ireland in October 2008.
Name: Josh McEachran
DOB: 01/03/93
Club: Chelsea
On the standby list for last season's U17 Euros, Josh has an excellent left foot and is a calming influence in midfield. He has two Victory Shield campaigns under his belt having played in the tournament two season's ago whilst still a year young.
Name: Ravel Morrison
DOB: 02/02/93
Club: Manchester United
Ravel is an exciting and skilful composed winger who loves to get forward. Able to play on either flank and a constant threat with the ball at his feet. Scored England's sixth goal against Northern Ireland in October 2008.
Name: Bruno Pilatos
DOB: 30/03/93
Club: Middlesbrough
A tall and skilful player, who featured in 2007's Victory Shield opener against Northern Ireland in Blackpool. Full of energy and a constant threat with his height and athleticism. Can fill in at right-back if required and captained the U17s in the 1-0 victory over Portugal in August.
Name: George Thorne
DOB: 04/01/93
Club: West Bromwich Albion
Comfortable on the ball, George is often employed as a defensive midfielder, though he also likes to get forward when possible. Set up Benik Afobe for England U16s' winner against Wales in 2008.
Name: Luke Williams
DOB: 11/06/93
Club: Middlesbrough
Luke will want to impress on his first England call-up. A right-footed midfielder, he is capable of playing on either wing.
Forwards
Name: Benik Afobe
DOB: 12/02/93
Club: Arsenal
A strong and athletic centre forward, who also boasts a quick turn of pace with which he can escape the attentions of defenders. Benik scored four goals in three Victory Shield matches and spearheaded England U16's assault on the competition in 2008. Called up to the U17 squad for the U17 European Elite Round Qualifying, scoring twice, before playing against Turkey in the Finals' group stage.
Name: Saido Berahino
DOB: 04/08/93
Club: West Bromwich Albion
He was first called up for the U16 squad for the Montaigu Tournament in 2009, where his brace earned England victory over Russia. Also scored twice against Turkey in The FA International U17 Tournament.
Name: William Keane
DOB: 11/01/93
Club: Manchester United
William can execute a fine pass and is a promising finisher, as he proved against United Arab Emirates in Montaigu. Looked sharp against Portugal in August, setting up Chuks Aneke for the winner.
Name: Connor Wickham
DOB: 31/03/93
Club: Ipswich Town
Connor has enjoyed a number of first-team outings at Portman Road already this season and scored twice against Shrewsbury in the League Cup.