Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant, the newest member of a Leeds dynasty, and Southampton’s viral starlet: Meet the lion cubs aiming for an under-17 Euro hat-trick
- England will play France in their quarter-final at the European Championship in Hungary
- Side sealed wins against Croatia and the Netherlands, and drew with Switzerland
- Squad will look to repeat the league triumphs of 2010 and 2014
England have history in the European Under-17 Championship and will continue their pursuit of more glory when they face France today.
Three more wins for Ryan Garry’s side and they will repeat the triumphs of 2010 and 2014.
Both teams feature future internationals – as does the Class of 2017, who finished runners-up at the European Championship before winning the World Cup in India later that year. England was also runner-up in 2007.
This is who we want to follow in their footsteps among the current harvest.
Tommy Setford – goalkeeper (Ajax)
The youngest of two keepers from the Setford family is also on Ajax’s agenda with his older brother Charlie.
Tommy Setford and his brother Charlie are both goalkeepers in Ajax’s youth academy
With an English father and Dutch mother, both have represented both countries at youth level. Tommy looks set to stay with England and there are high hopes for him with club and country.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – midfielder (Arsenal)
A midfielder who is also capable at full-back, Lewis-Skelly is causing quite a stir in Arsenal’s academy line-up. He was a key part of Jack Wilshere’s side that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup.
Made his under-18 debut aged 14 and trained with the first team, as well as playing against Lyon during their mid-season training camp. An all-round talent who is no stranger to a driving run through the hearts of opponents. Netted against the Netherlands.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was part of the U18 side that made it to this year’s FA Youth Cup final
Ethan Nwaneri – midfielder (Arsenal)
Became a more recognized name after making his historic debut for Arsenal at Brentford this season, making him the youngest ever player in the Premier League.
A versatile talent who is primarily an attacking midfielder, but is comfortable in numerous forward positions. Some well-placed observers think he could be one of Arsenal’s greatest ever products, although there is a battle to keep him amid interest from their Premier League rivals. Scored England’s first goal of the tournament against Croatia.
Brought on against Brentford, Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest Arsenal player ever to play in the top flight
Archie Gray – Midfielder (Leeds)
Attacking midfielder who has yet to make his senior debut but has already caused a stir. Has been a substitute for the first team on a number of occasions, including the first time when he was just 15. Had he progressed, he would have been the youngest ever player in the Premier League.
Archie Gray has been selected for the Leeds match squad a few times, but has yet to make his debut
Has Leeds in its blood with three relatives including father Andy and his great-uncle, Whites legend Eddie, who plays for Leeds and Scotland – but unlike them, Archie has chosen to represent England.
Tyler Dibling – striker (Southampton)
Went viral after scoring a hat-trick of identical goals for Southampton’s second series against Newcastle. That helped land him a move to Chelsea, but Dibling was not settling and quickly returned to the Saints, where he is one of the brightest hopes in their academy.
Relegation could improve his chances of first-team football next season. He has been on the bench of the first team once.
Southampton’s relegation could help Tyler Dibling to promotion to the first team next season
A resounding 4-1 win against the Netherlands helped Ryan Garry’s side progress to the quarter-finals
The U17 side will look to emulate the performance of Conor Coady (trophy hoist) and his 2010 cohort to complete an England hat-trick