FIFA Under-17s World Cup squad announced by Neil Dewsnip

Saturday 03 Oct 2015
Neil Dewsnip has named his squad for the FIFA U17s World Cup

Neil Dewsnip has named his England squad for the FIFA Under-17s World Cup in Chile.

The Young Lions head coach will take a 21-man group to the showpiece in South America, where his side will compete for qualification from Group B alongside Guinea, Brazil and South Korea.

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

FIFA Under-17s World Cup 2016, Group B

England v Guinea
Saturday 17 October
Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo

Brazil v England
Tuesday 20 October
Estadio La Portada, La Serena

England v South Korea
Friday 23 October
Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo

Three days later, Neil Dewsnip’s side will take on the Samba Boys, with whom they fought out a memorable 2-2 draw in the USA last November. They conclude their group stage by lining-up against South Korea on Friday 23 October.

The 18,500 seater Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso in Coquimbo will play host to England’s first and final group matches, with the same-sized Estadio La Portada in La Serena the venue for their second.

The top two nations from each group will progress to the last 16, where England could potentially meet Chile, Croatia, Nigeria or USA from Group A.

The England squad that will travel to Chile:

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

Defenders: Danny Collinge (VfB Stuttgart), Ro-Shaun Williams (Manchester United), Easah Suliman (Aston Villa), James Yates (Everton), Jay DaSilva (Chelsea), Tayo Edun (Fulham)

Midfielders: Tom Davies (Everton), Marcus Wood (Manchester City), Herbie Kane (Liverpool), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Marcus Edwards (Tottenham Hotspur), Will Patching (Manchester City), Chris Willock (Arsenal)

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

Due to the timing of the tournament, the England squad that dramatically qualified will have moved up to U18s level, although they will still be eligible to participate.

Estadio el Teniente in Rancagua will host England

Estadio el Teniente in Rancagua will host England's warm up match with Chile

They secured their place in memorable fashion back in May. With the score goalless and only seconds left of their World Cup Play-Off match with Spain, goalkeeper Will Huffer was called into action from the bench to replace the injured Paul Woolston. 

The Leeds United youngster produced heroics as the contest was settled by penalties, with his save helping the Young Lions to a 5-3 shoot-out victory and a spot at the showpiece.

In preparation for the tournament, the England squad travelled to Holland last month for a double header against the hosts, securing a 2-0 victory before they fought out a 0-0 draw after Tayo Edun had been sent off in the first half.

They have two further warm-up fixtures before they kick-off the tournament as they take on DR Congo in a behind-closed-doors match at St. George’s Park on Wednesday before flying to Santiago on Thursday.

Dewsnip’s charges will then face host nation Chile on Sunday 11 October in their final warm up match at Estadio el Teniente in Rancagua.

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer