Tom Davies to captain U17s as squad numbers unveiled

Tom Davies will captain England at the FIFA Under-17s World Cup in Chile after head coach Neil Dewsnip revealed his squad numbers for the tournament

The Everton midfielder, who will wear the number four shirt, will have Arsenal forward Chrissy Willock as his vice-captain.

England kick-off their campaign in Chile against Guinea on Saturday 17 October, the tournament’s opening day.

Three days later, Neil Dewsnip’s side will take on Brazil before they conclude their group stage by lining-up against South Korea on Friday 23 October.

And Dewsnip says Davies, who trained with Roy Hodgson's senior squad at St. George's Park last week, was the perfect choice to lead the Young Lions out.

“We’ve looked for someone who is well-respected by the whole group," Dewsnip told TheFA.com. 

"After consulting with the players who have been involved throughout the pathway over the last few years, Tom seemed to be the obvious candidate both from the players and staff, as was Chrissy as vice-captain. 

Vice-captain Chrissy Willock in action against DR Congo

"Tom was unavailable for our game against DR Congo last week, so Chrissy took on that role and I thought he handled it very well.

“We are looking to develop qualities of leadership and this is one of the ways that players can develop their skills in that area.” 

The Young Lions arrived in the South America on Friday and spent three days in the capital city of Santiago as they continued their preparations for the big kick-off against Guinea on Saturday evening.

After battling out a hard-earned 0-0 draw with the host nation in their final warm-up match on Sunday, the squad flew to La Serena on Monday, which will serve as their base for the group stages.

The U17s train in Chile

“Everyone is really friendly and we have received a really warm welcome. Since we arrived last week it is clear to see that Chile is a football-mad nation similar to ourselves,” said Dewsnip.

“We have a lot in common with our love of football and that has led to a lot of good and interesting conversations. 

“Having received such a nice welcome and being made to feel right at home, that has just made us even more determined to try and stay here as long as possible.”

England's squad numbers

Goalkeepers: 1 Paul Woolston (Newcastle United), 13 Will Huffer (Leeds United), 21 Alfie Whiteman (Tottenham Hotspur) 

Defenders: 2 James Yates (Everton), 3 Jay DaSilva (Chelsea), 5 Danny Collinge (Stuttgart), 6 Ro-Shaun Williams (Manchester United), 12 Tayo Edun (Fulham), 15 Easah Suliman (Aston Villa) 

Midfielders: 4 Tom Davies (Everton), 7 Will Patching (Manchester City), 8 Marcus Wood (Manchester City), 10 Marcus Edwards (Tottenham Hotspur), 11 Chrissy Willock (Arsenal), 14 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), 18 Herbie Kane (Liverpool) 

Forwards: 9 Kaylen Hinds (Arsenal), 16 Stephy Mavididi (Arsenal), 17 Kazaiah Sterling (Tottenham Hotspur), 19 Ike Ugbo (Chelsea), 20 Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (Aston Villa)