The Under 18 team was originally established in 1997, when UEFA set up its first European Championship at this level. England reached the quarter final stage of only their second competition in 1998/99. In 1999 this was followed by the introduction of the Under 16 team.

In 2001 UEFA increased these age groups to Under 19 and Under 17 respectively, bringing the youth competitions in to line with the male game.

The team is a key testing ground for England's young talent before they make the step up to Senior level.