England U17s’ class of 2017 catapulted themselves onto the global stage in October by lifting the World Cup trophy.
Several months on from that glorious night in Kolkata, Steve Cooper is hoping to lead his new squad to silverware on home soil with the U17 Euro Finals being staged in England for the first time next month.
And last week’s draw saw Cooper’s squad placed in Group A with Switzerland, Italy and Israel.
Cooper is hoping for more success this time around, hoping to go one further than last season’s Euro campaign which ended with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Spain in the Final.
While remaining grounded in his hopes, he now wants his side to give the home fans something to shout about.
“We’ll be respecting all teams like we do but very much focusing on getting ourselves right when the games come along and we’ll be ready to deliver when it counts,” he said.
“It’s a great platform for the players and the countries to show what they’ve got and [the tournament] has produced some excellent players who have become well known as seniors.”
The draw was made at St. George’s Park by England legend and tournament ambassador Wayne Rooney and John Delaney, chairman of the UEFA Youth & Amateur Football Committee.
Matches will be hosted by Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Walsall, Loughborough University, Burton Albion and St. George’s Park, with England kicking-off against Israel at Chesterfield on Friday 4 May.
“We’re so excited - the U17 Euros come around every year and they’re always a major experience for the players,” added Cooper.
“It’s the first UEFA or FIFA tournament they can play in so for it to be on home soil this year, it’s fantastic to be a part of it.
"We’re really excited about it and thrilled for the opportunity to give it our best and hopefully deliver when it comes.”
Following their opening game, England then face Italy at Walsall on Monday 7 May (3pm), before taking on the Swiss at Rotherham United on Thursday 10 May (7pm).
