England Women’s U-23 squad selected for Italy and Portugal

The Young Lionesses are in action in October as they look to continue their unbeaten start to their new European league.

Emma Coates’ side will first travel away to Vercelli to face Italy on Thursday 26 October (2.30pm BST), before welcoming Portugal to the Joie Stadium, home of Manchester City, on Monday 30 October (7pm GMT), with tickets still on sale priced at just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

It is familiar opposition for the England WU23s, having last faced Italy in November 2022 in a 0-0 draw, and defeating Portugal in April 2023 in an exciting 3-2 victory away from home.

Emma Coates told englandfootball.com: “Our season got off to a strong start in September and the performances gave us plenty to build from. Off the pitch it was fantastic to see a record crowd for the WU23 age group turning out to watch us beat Belgium in our first home game. As we continue our European league we want to build on that momentum and hope to see another good turnout in Manchester.

“This new European competition gives our players experience playing in bigger stadiums and in front of bigger crowds. It gives them a taste of what they can expect in the senior environment if they get the call up to move across and ensures they are connected to the pathway. Our October fixtures will be another good chance to test ourselves against quality opposition.”

The squad

Goalkeepers: Emily Ramsey (Everton), Kayla Rendell (Southampton), Lucy Thomas (Birmingham City)

Defenders: Tara Bourne (Sheffield United), Anouk Denton (West Ham), Naomi Layzell (Bristol City), Ella Morris (Southampton), Poppy Pattinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mia Ross (Charlton Athletic), Kiera Skeels (Charlton Athletic)

Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Aston Villa), Melisa Filis (West Ham), Ruby Grant (BK Hacken), Missy Bo Kearns (Liverpool), Lucia Kendall (Southampton), Ruby Mace (Manchester City)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Freya Gregory (Reading, on loan from Aston Villa), Emma Harries (West Ham), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Molly Pike (Southampton), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa)