UEFA European U17 Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
28 March-1 April,
England, for more information click here

England have named a strong squad to take part in a qualifying tournament for the European Under-17s Championship later this month.

Under-17s Coach John Peacock has selected 18 players for the matches which will take place in Barnsley, Huddersfield and Scunthorpe from 28 March to 1 April.

England face tough opposition from Russia, Italy and Bulgaria as they bid to reach the Championship for the fifth time in six seasons.

Peacock said: "In the last three years, we've won every match in our qualifying tournaments which is a phenomenal record and one we want to continue.

"It's going to be a very difficult group with some tough opposition but we shouldn't fear that if we play to our potential.

"It is very important that we qualify for the Championships in Luxembourg in May as we want the players to learn from facing the best players and the best teams in the best tournaments."

Arsenal's new teenage striker Theo Walcott was a key member of last season's Under-17s squad and Peacock says there will be plenty more highly-talented youngsters on show in the qualifying games.

He said: "Theo has gone on to make a big name for himself and we are going to see more talented players like that in these games who will hopefully progress and make it at the highest level. "These will be exciting, competitive matches and we hope to see some big crowds to cheer the players on."

The England squad is:

Name

Club

Ben Amos

Manchester United FC

Ryan Bertrand

Chelsea FC

Febian Brandy

Manchester United FC

David Button

Tottenham Hotspur FC

Jamie Chandler

Sunderland AFC

Ciaran Clark

Aston Villa FC

Jack Cork

Chelsea FC

Lee Molyneux

Everton FC

Michael Nardiello

Liverpool FC

Nathan Porritt

Middlesbrough FC

Matt Richards

Derby County FC

Paul Rodgers

Arsenal FC

Scott Sinclair

Chelsea FC

Daniel Sturridge

Manchester City FC

Jake Thomson

Southampton FC

James Tomkins

West Ham United FC

Josh Walker

Middlesbrough FC

Josh Wright

Charlton Athletic FC



England’s first match will see them take on Italy at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium on 28 March before facing Bulgaria at Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC, on 30 March.

They end by taking on Russia at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park on 1 April. Matches not involving England will be held at Worksop Town FC, South Leeds Stadium and Stocksbridge Park Steel FC. Tickets for England’s matches are on sale now.

Tickets for the non-England games will be on sale on the gate on the matchdays. Group and Charter Standard bookings can be made via booking forms in advance only.

UEFA U17 Championship - Qualifying Tournament

Tuesday 28 March 2006

Russia v Bulgaria at Worksop Town FC, 4.00pm - tickets on sale at the gate.
England v Italy at Huddersfield Town FC, 7.30pm - tickets on sale from 0870 44 44 552.

Thursday 30 March 2006

Italy v Russia at South Leeds Stadium, 4.00pm - tickets on sale at the gate.

England v Bulgaria at Barnsley FC, 7.30pm - tickets on sale from 01226 211444.

Saturday 1 April 2006

Bulgaria v Italy at Stocksbridge Park Steel FC, 3.00pm - tickets on sale at the gate.

Russia v England at Scunthorpe United FC, 3.00pm - tickets on sale from 01724 848077, press option one.

Tickets England matches - £3 adults in advance (£5 on the night) / £1 for U16s/OAPs Non-England matches - £3 for adults or £1 for U16s/OAPs on the gate.