The upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup is set to showcase the next generation of football talent, with England’s squad prepared to take on the world’s best. Headlined by several young Arsenal players, the England U-17 team is eager to make a strong showing on the international stage after an impressive run in the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship earlier this year. The squad, under the guidance of head coach Natalie Henderson, has a mix of experienced players and rising stars, making them one of the teams to watch in the tournament.
England’s Return to the World Stage
The tournament, which will take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3, marks England’s return to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after an eight-year absence. England’s last appearance in the competition was in 2016, and they now look to make their mark once again. Their recent performances, especially reaching the final of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship, have raised expectations.
Natalie Henderson, who has been pivotal in developing this squad, expressed her excitement ahead of the tournament. She acknowledged the significance of competing at a World Cup level, highlighting that it is a “terrific experience” for young players. Henderson and her coaching staff are aware of the challenges ahead, particularly with the variety of football styles they will encounter, but they are confident that the team is well-prepared to handle the pressures of international competition.
England’s first test will be against Kenya’s Junior Starlets, a team making its debut in the competition. Although the Junior Starlets may be viewed as underdogs, Henderson knows the unpredictability of international tournaments and is not underestimating the Kenyan team. The group stage also features Mexico and two-time champions Korea DPR, presenting a tough path for the Young Lionesses as they aim to advance to the knockout rounds.
Arsenal’s Prominent Role in the Squad
Arsenal’s academy has long been regarded as one of the best in the country, and its influence on the current England U-17 squad is evident. Several Arsenal youngsters have been named in the squad, including defenders Eva Gray, Sophie Harwood, and Niamh Peacock, along with midfielders Laila Harbert and Omotara Junaid. These players have already gained significant experience in both domestic and international competitions, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into the World Cup.
In goal, Arsenal’s Hope McSheffrey is part of a trio of goalkeepers alongside Leicester City’s Rebekah Dowsett and Liverpool’s Eva Spencer. McSheffrey’s agility and shot-stopping ability have made her a standout performer at the youth level, and she will likely play a key role in England’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament.
Henderson’s defensive options also include Cecily Wellesley-Smith, who has split her time between Arsenal and Oxford United. Wellesley-Smith’s versatility in both central defense and as a full-back provides Henderson with tactical flexibility, allowing her to adapt to different opponents and situations.
The midfield boasts further Arsenal representation in the form of Laila Harbert and Omotara Junaid. Harbert is known for her composure on the ball and her ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield. Junaid, on the other hand, offers a more dynamic presence, capable of breaking up opposition attacks and driving the team forward with her powerful runs.
Arsenal’s presence extends to the attacking department as well, with Isabella Fisher, who has dual registration with Ipswich Town, named in the squad. Fisher’s eye for goal and clinical finishing make her one of the most exciting prospects in the team, and she will be eager to make her mark on the international stage.
The Road to the World Cup
England’s qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup was secured earlier this year when they reached the final of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship. It was a historic achievement for the Young Lionesses, as it marked the first time an England side had reached the final of the tournament. Although they were ultimately defeated in the final, their performance throughout the competition was widely praised, and it highlighted the strength and potential of this generation of players.
The experience of competing in a major international tournament, coupled with the pressure of knockout football, will undoubtedly benefit the squad as they prepare for the World Cup. Henderson has emphasized the importance of these experiences, stating that playing in a World Cup “at any age” is invaluable for the players’ development, both on and off the pitch.
Being away from home for an extended period and adapting to different environments and football cultures are all part of the learning curve that these young players will go through. Henderson believes that these challenges will help to build resilience and maturity within the squad, qualities that will be crucial as they navigate the intensity of World Cup football.
A Balanced Squad with Potential
While the squad is youthful, it is also well-balanced, with players who have a wealth of experience at both club and international levels. In defense, the combination of Arsenal’s Eva Gray, Sophie Harwood, and Niamh Peacock, alongside Leicester City’s Nelly Las and Simone Sherwood, offers a solid foundation for the team. These players have developed a strong understanding of each other’s game, and their defensive organization will be key to England’s success in the tournament.
The midfield is another area of strength, with Sunderland’s Emily Cassap and Chelsea’s Vera Jones joining Harbert and Junaid. This group of midfielders provides a blend of creativity, defensive solidity, and physicality, giving Henderson plenty of options depending on the opposition they face.
Up front, Chelsea’s Lola Brown, Manchester City’s Jane Oboavwoduo, and Leicester City’s Denny Draper will spearhead England’s attack. Brown’s technical ability and vision make her a key playmaker, while Oboavwoduo and Draper offer pace and directness in the final third. This attacking trio, supported by the likes of Isabella Fisher and Lauryn Thompson of Indy Eleven, ensures that England has plenty of firepower to challenge even the strongest defenses in the tournament.
The Group Stage Challenge
England has been drawn into Group C, where they will face Kenya, Mexico, and Korea DPR. While Kenya’s Junior Starlets may be newcomers to the World Cup, they should not be underestimated. Underdog teams have a history of causing upsets in international tournaments, and Kenya will be determined to make an impression on their debut.
Mexico, a familiar name in youth football, will present a more established challenge. The Mexican team has consistently been a competitive force at the U17 level, and they will be looking to go far in the tournament. England will need to be at their best to secure a positive result against Mexico, with the outcome of this match potentially being crucial to their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
The toughest test in the group, however, is likely to come from Korea DPR. The North Korean team has a formidable record in this competition, having won the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup twice before. Their disciplined style of play and experience in high-stakes tournaments make them one of the favorites to win the group, if not the entire tournament.
Knockout Stage Aspirations
The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages, and England’s primary goal will be to secure one of these spots. Should they advance, the knockout rounds will present a new set of challenges, with potential matchups against teams like Japan, the United States, or Brazil, all of whom have strong track records in youth football.
For England, the key to success in the knockout stages will be maintaining their defensive solidity while continuing to play with the attacking freedom that has brought them success in recent tournaments. Henderson’s side has shown that they can compete with the best teams in Europe, and now they will have the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world.
Looking Ahead
The FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup is not just an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent, but it is also a chance for England to continue their development as a powerhouse in women’s football. The success of the senior women’s team in recent years, including their triumph at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros, has provided a platform for the younger generations to aspire to, and this tournament will be another step in that journey.
For the Arsenal contingent in the squad, this World Cup represents a chance to further their development and gain valuable international experience. Arsenal has a proud tradition of producing top-quality players, and the club will be hoping that their young stars can make a significant impact in the tournament.
As the Young Lionesses prepare for their opening match against Kenya, the anticipation is building. England’s supporters will be eager to see how their team performs on the world stage, and with the matches being streamed live on the FIFA+ platform, fans will be able to follow every moment of the action.
The journey to World Cup glory is never easy, but with a talented squad, a dedicated coaching staff, and the backing of their supporters, England’s U17 team will be aiming to go far in the tournament and make a lasting impression on the global stage. The future of English women’s football looks bright, and this World Cup could be the perfect stage for the next generation of stars to shine.
