Premier League Stars Shine for England at FIFA U17 World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup commences in early November, with England announcing their roster for the 48-nation tournament taking place in Qatar.
The Young Lions, under the guidance of head coach Neil Ryan, are targeting their second-ever championship victory, following their previous success in India during 2017. For this 21-player selection, it represents a chance to showcase their talents and claim international honors for their nation.
Marc Guéhi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Phil Foden were key figures in the 2017 final triumph against Spain, with the current generation of prospects hoping to replicate their achievements in future years.
Most squad members are currently developing within Premier League academy systems, providing them with a direct route to the pinnacle of English football if they maintain their current development paths.
How Many Premier League Players Feature in England U17 World Cup Selection?
Just four members of Ryan's 21-player roster aren't currently affiliated with Premier League clubs. Lyon striker Alejandro Rodríguez stands as the sole talent competing outside England, while Louis Page, Dylan Moody and Igor Tyjon represent Leicester City, Southampton and Blackburn Rovers respectively in the Championship division.
Liverpool remains the only traditional 'Big Six' club without representation in Qatar, though Arsenal's sole contributor is first-choice goalkeeper Jack Porter. The 17-year-old earned his Gunners senior debut in the Carabao Cup last campaign and joins West Ham United's Lanre Awesu and the previously mentioned Moody in the goalkeeping ranks.
Manchester United also contributes a single representative, with Bendito Mantato, capable of operating at full-back or in advanced positions, earning selection. Brighton & Hove Albion's Freddie Simmonds, Fulham's Seth Ridgeon and Aston Villa's Bradley Burrowes have also secured places in the squad.
London clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur each contribute three players to the selection. Landon Emenalo, Reggie Walsh, who has already earned his senior club debut, and Chizaram Ezenwata all represent the Blues, while Jun'ai Byfield, Luca Williams-Barnett and Tynan Thompson are all Spurs academy products.
Manchester City leads all clubs with the most players selected. Defenders Dante Headley and Kaden Braithwaite join midfielder Harrison Miles and striker Reigan Heskey—son of former Liverpool and Villa forward Emile Heskey.
England's Roster for FIFA U17 World Cup
Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|
Jack Porter | Goalkeeper | Arsenal |
Lanre Awesu | Goalkeeper | West Ham United |
Dylan Moody | Goalkeeper | Southampton |
Dante Headley | Defender | Manchester City |
Landon Emenalo | Defender | Chelsea |
Jun'ai Byfield | Defender | Tottenham Hotspur |
Freddie Simmonds | Defender | Brighton & Hove Albion |
Kaden Braithwaite | Defender | Manchester City |
Bendito Mantato | Defender | Manchester United |
Harrison Miles | Midfielder | Manchester City |
Seth Ridgeon | Midfielder | Fulham |
Luca Williams-Barnett | Midfielder | Tottenham Hotspur |
Reggie Walsh | Midfielder | Chelsea |
Louis Page | Midfielder | Leicester City |
Ryan McAidoo | Forward | Manchester City |
Alejandro Rodríguez | Forward | Lyon |
Tynan Thompson | Forward | Tottenham Hotspur |
Bradley Burrowes | Forward | Aston Villa |
Reigan Heskey | Forward | Manchester City |
Igor Tyjon | Forward | Blackburn Rovers |
Chizarem Ezenwata | Forward | Chelsea |
Who Do England U17s Face at World Cup?
England have been placed in Group E at the U17 World Cup and will encounter opponents from different continents during the group phase. They open against Venezuela on Nov. 4 before meeting Haiti on Nov. 7. Their group stage concludes against Egypt, who are returning to the tournament for the first time since 1997, on Nov. 10.
England will be determined to advance to the knockout rounds, with the round of 32 scheduled for Nov. 14 and 15. The championship match will be held at Khalifa International Stadium on Nov. 27.