Having won all three of their qualification matches, England qualified for the forthcoming championship in some style and now take on Belarus, Turkey and Italy in the group stage of the European Championship.

John Peacock selected his 18-man squad yesterday and will be confident that his side can improve on their semi-final appearance in each of the last four seasons.

The England U17s have enjoyed another successful season this year and recently took part in the Algarve Tournament in Portugal - an event which Tord saw Peacock's side in action.

Seb Hines (Middlesbrough) 11 caps, 1 goal

Hines was an ever present at the back for England as they won all three of their European Championship qualifiers.

The commanding centre-back also played in all England's matches in the Pepsi Tournament earlier in the season, which included wins over Italy, Russia and Portugal.

"Hines has a good personality and is a good leader," Tord told BBC Sport. "He's a strong defender - solid in the air and in the tackle. And like so many of the England side, he's very technically accomplished.

"He is good on the ball and effective at coming forward to begin attacks."

Theo Walcott (Southampton) 9 caps, 5 goals

The 16-year-old winger is undoubtedly one of the most promising players around and on his 16th birthday, in March this year, he signed for the club that discovered him - Southampton.

With the Saints youth team, he has played a big part in the side reaching the FA Youth Cup Final and with England scored in both the European Championship qualifiers in which he played.

"Technically, he is very good - and extremely fast as well," Tord says. "He has the ability to beat defenders with his skill, pace and balance.

"He is so mature for his age and has a very strong character. He should get better and better."

David Button (Tottenham Hotspur) 8 caps 0 goals

Established himself as England's first-choice goalkeeper during the Pepsi Tournament in September, Button is an agile 'keeper who has lost only once in England colours.

"Button is a very good all-round keeper," Tord says. "He's agile and athletic and an excellent shot-stopper."

During the recent qualification matches, Button pulled off some outstanding stops and was only beaten twice in the three matches.

"But as importantly," Tord continues, "he makes good decisions and is decisive at coming for crosses."

Visit TheFA.com for match reports and all the latest news from inside the England camp at the UEFA European U17 Championship.