England women’s under-23s head coach Emma Coates has named a 23-strong squad for the first two fixtures of the new campaign.
The Young Lionesses, who remain undefeated in 2023, will first travel to Bryne to take on Norway on Thursday 21 September (5.30pm BST). Emma Coates’ side will then welcome Belgium to the New Meadow, home of Shrewsbury Town FC, on Monday 25 September (7pm BST), which tickets are now on sale for.
The fixtures form part of a new organised competition for the WU23s in the 2023-24 season, which will see the age group compete against fellow European nations in a league format across the course of the campaign.
“It’s going to be a hugely exciting year for the WU23s as we compete in our first structured competition,” said Coates.
“As the women’s game continues to grow, we need to ensure our WU23 age group is connected to the pathway to the senior team, and this competition gives us the chance to do exactly that.
“The first two fixtures against Norway and Belgium will be a tough test against quality opposition, which is exactly what we want to start our campaign strongly. We hope to see a good crowd turnout in Shrewsbury to cheer the team on in our first home game of the new season.”
England U-23 squad
Goalkeepers: Lucy Thomas (Birmingham City), Fran Bentley (Bristol City), Kayla Rendell (Southampton)
Defenders: Poppy Pattinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Naomi Layzell (Bristol City), Mia Ross (Charlton Athletic), Kiera Skeels (Charlton Athletic), Tara Bourne (Sheffield United), Ella Morris (Southampton), Asmita Ale (Tottenham Hotspur), Anouk Denton (West Ham)
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Aston Villa), Ruby Grant (BK Hacken), Missy Bo Kearns (Liverpool), Ruby Mace (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Tottenham Hotspur, on loan from Manchester United), Melisa Filis (West Ham)
Forwards: Freya Gregory (Aston Villa), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Missy Goodwin (Leicester City), Molly Pike (Southampton), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Emma Harries (West Ham)
