England Women’s U20s World Cup squad has been named following escalating pressure from European nations, particularly from UEFA, over the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. The controversy centers on the potential for a boycott of all FIFA competitions, including the World Cups, by several confederations, including Uefa, which threatens a complete cessation of all FIFA events. The FFE would have seen all FIFA competitions, including the U20 World Cup, sold off to a private investment company, amounting to 21% of the revenue.
The U20 World Cup, taking place in Poland from 5 to 27 September, represents the first major tournament under this heightened threat. Speaking to BBC Sport after a warm-up game in Portugal, Manager Lydia Bedford addressed the situation, stating, ‘I was actually at the theatre in London when my dad rang me out of the blue and I was like, ‘What’s happening?’ From my perspective, the message from leadership all along has been ‘just continue as usual.’
She emphasized the team’s focus on preparation and the opportunity to showcase their talent, stating, ‘It’s not something we’ve really even spoken to the players about because ultimately every opportunity we have to get on the grass and prepare this team we want to be in the best position possible. So all focus has been on that.’
The squad, comprised of 21 players, includes Erica Meg Parkinson, a North Carolina Courage midfielder, who received a surprise call-up to the senior squad in March. Bedford highlighted the team’s excitement about the upcoming tournament, emphasizing the challenge they face and the opportunity for England to ‘represent England with pride.’
The top two sides from each group will automatically advance to the final, while the best four third-placed sides will also be included. The final will be hosted in Lodz on Sunday, September 27th (17:00 BST).
The proposed squads include: Eve Annets (Manchester City), Katie Cox (Chelsea, on loan to Nottingham Forest), Kaiya Jota (Stanford University), Ria Bose (West Ham), Sacha Lewis (Manchester City), Rachel Maltby (Aston Villa), Lucy Newell (Manchester United), Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea), Zara Shaw (Liverpool), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (Arsenal, on loan to FC Rosengård), Lola Brown (Chelsea), May Cruft (Rangers), Chloe B. Hylton (Carolina Ascent), Vera Jones (Chelsea, on loan to Watford), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage), Princess Ademiluyi (Gotham FC, on loan to Ipswich Town), Lily Dent (Brighton & Hove Albion, on loan to Sunderland), Jessie Gale (Arsenal, on loan to Newcastle), Eva Hendle (Chelsea, on loan to Rangers), Eleanor Klinger (Stanford University), Lauryn Thompson (North Carolina Courage).
The United Nations has also expressed concerns over the potential boycott, stating, ‘The situation is deeply concerning and threatens the integrity of the FIFA competition.’
England is one of six nations from Europe taking part in the 24-team tournament alongside France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and hosts Poland. The young Lionesses are drawn in Group B with Brazil, Tanzania, and Canada, who face each other in their opening match on Saturday, September 5th (17:00 BST). The tournament is expected to have 21 players selected, with the top two from each group automatically progressing to the final.
Goalkeepers: Eve Annets (Manchester City), Katie Cox (Chelsea, on loan to Nottingham Forest), Kaiya Jota (Stanford University).
Defenders: Ria Bose (West Ham), Sacha Lewis (Manchester City), Rachel Maltby (Aston Villa), Lucy Newell (Manchester United), Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea), Zara Shaw (Liverpool), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (Arsenal, on loan to FC Rosengård).
Midfielders: Lola Brown (Chelsea), May Cruft (Rangers), Chloe B. Hylton (Carolina Ascent), Vera Jones (Chelsea, on loan to Watford), Erica Meg Parkinson (North Carolina Courage).
Forwards: Princess Ademiluyi (Gotham FC, on loan to Ipswich Town), Lily Dent (Brighton & Hove Albion, on loan to Sunderland), Jessie Gale (Arsenal, on loan to Newcastle), Eva Hendle (Chelsea, on loan to Rangers), Eleanor Klinger (Stanford University), Lauryn Thompson (North Carolina Courage.
The final will be hosted in Lodz on Sunday, September 27th (17:00 BST).
The U20 World Cup is a significant opportunity for England to showcase their talent and compete against the best teams in the world. The top two sides from each group will automatically progress to the final, while the best four third-placed sides will also be included. The final will be hosted in Lodz on Sunday, September 27th (17:00 BST).
The potential boycott threatens to significantly impact the tournament’s success and the prestige of the sport. Walti
Watch Related Video
Source: BBC Football
