Rehanne Skinner has named her England U19s squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s U19 European Championship elite round qualifiers at St. George’s Park.
The 20-player squad will take on Turkey (1pm, Wednesday 3 April), Sweden (1pm, Saturday 6 April) and Italy (1pm, Tuesday 9 April).
At this stage of the tournament, only the nation who finishes top of the four team group will progress to July’s finals in Scotland. All three of the Lionesses’ matches will be played at the national football centre*.
Fresh from her time away at the SheBelieves Cup with the senior women’s team, Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp returns and is reunited with eight other players that gained experience together in this phase of the U19 tournament last year.
The team comprises of an increasing number of emerging talent whose performances and involvement in the WSL and Championship has been notable in recent months. Tottenham Hotspur forward Jess Naz returns to the squad and Aston Villa forward Jodie Hutton has been called up from the U18s
“The team’s preparation leading into this event has involved some excellent opposition in various international tournaments,” said head coach Skinner.
“We have learnt a lot during those experiences and are now looking forward to hosting the UEFA Elite round on home soil at St. George’s Park.
“We face three very different oppositions in this competition and will need to be prepared for those challenges. At this stage of the championship, only one team progresses so it provides a great test for us.
“Hopefully we can progress to the Euro Finals to keep gaining crucial exposure and experience for our future Lionesses and their development. The whole team is looking forward to the games.”
Earlier this month, the women's U17s secured their place in their own Euro Finals in Bulgaria after winning three games from three in their elite round games against Georgia, Hungary and Greece.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Birmingham City), Emily Ramsey (Manchester United)
Defenders: Niamh Cashin (Rider University), Georgia Eaton-Collins (University of Florida), Naomi Hartley (Sheffield United, on loan from Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Grace Neville (Millwall Lionesses), Poppy Pattinson (Bristol City), Olivia Smith (University of Oklahoma)
Midfielders: Lucy Fitzgerald (Millwall Lionesses), Amelia Hazard (Arsenal), Lauren James (Manchester United), Aimee Palmer (Manchester United), Amy Rodgers (Liverpool), Ella Rutherford (Bristol City), Emily Syme (Yeovil Town)
Forwards: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Jodie Hutton (Aston Villa), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Ebony Salmon (Sheffield United, on loan from Manchester United)
^ Replaces Jess Park (Manchester City) who is withdrawn injured
*Please note all matches are invitation-only and not open to the public.
