Gemma Grainger has named her England squad for the UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship finals in Bulgaria.
Drawn in Group B, the Young Lionesses will play Germany [Sunday 5 May, Albena], Austria [Wednesday 8 May, Kavarna] and the Netherlands [Saturday 11 May, Kavarna].
The competition kicks off tomorrow and runs through to 17 May.
Current Lionesses Leah Williamson and Georgia Stanway captained this age group in 2013 and 2016 respectively, with the latter group securing a bronze medal.
Eight nations will challenge for this year’s title, with the top two from each group reaching the semi-finals.
This is the first women’s final tournament to be held in Bulgaria, who will make their debut in any female finals.
Head coach Grainger said: “Naming the squad has been a privilege with such a talented group of players.
“This is the first competitive international tournament for this age group and playing at a finals presents invaluable learning opportunities.
“We are very passionate about providing young lionesses with the support they need to further their development and become ready to win as senior lionesses.
“Tomorrow, we begin our journey with our opening game against Germany.
“We know the more games we play, the more we learn about each other and we’re all really excited.”
The squad
Goalkeepers
Emma Bradley (Manchester City), Emily Orman (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Defenders
Lucy Johnson (Leicester City), Sophie Quirk (Reading), Maya Le Tissier (Brighton and Hove Albion), Eleanor Hack (Brighton and Hove Albion), Gracie Pearse (Arsenal), Ella Morris (Southampton)
Midfielders
Charlotte Fleming (Chelsea), Rebecca May (Manchester United), Ruby Grant (Arsenal), Melisa Filis (Arsenal), Ellen Jones (Bristol City), Paige Peake (FA Women’s East Region Academy in partnership with Ipswich Town)
Forwards
Eleanor Dale (Middlesbrough), Emma Harries (Reading), Katie Robinson (Bristol City), Francesca Stables (Manchester United), Alisha Ware (Southampton), Keri Matthews (York City)
