England Women’s U-20 Squad 2026: Full FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
England have announced their 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Head coach Lydia Bedford has selected a group with experience across England’s youth pathway and several players who have already gained valuable international tournament experience.
The Young Lionesses will begin their World Cup campaign on Saturday, September 5, against Canada in Bielsko-Biała.
England will then face Tanzania and Brazil in Group B as they look to reach the knockout stages and compete for the world title.
England Women’s U-20 World Cup Squad 2026
Lydia Bedford has named 21 players for England’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign.
The squad includes players from clubs in the Women’s Super League, the Women’s Championship, the United States and other European leagues.
England U-20 Goalkeepers
Eve Annets, Manchester City
Katie Cox, Chelsea, on loan to Nottingham Forest
Kaiya Jota, Stanford University
England U-20 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
England U-20 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
England U-20 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
England U-20 Women’s World Cup Preparation
England have spent the summer preparing for the tournament through training camps and international fixtures.
The Young Lionesses have recorded victories over Canada, Colombia and Portugal. They also drew with the United States and suffered a narrow defeat against Japan.
The team will hold a final preparation camp at St. George’s Park before travelling to Poland.
England will play New Caledonia in their final warm-up fixture on Saturday, August 29.
England Women’s U-20 FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule and Fixtures
England vs Canada U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Kick-off: 5:00 PM BST
Venue: Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała
England will open Group B against Canada on September 5.
England vs Tanzania U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Kick-off: 5:00 PM BST
Venue: Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała
England will face Tanzania in their second Group B match.
England vs Brazil U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Kick-off: 2:00 PM BST
Venue: Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała
England will complete their Group B schedule against Brazil.
How England Can Reach the U-20 Women’s World Cup Knockout Stage
The top two teams in each group will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
The tournament will also allow the four best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stage.
That means England will have multiple routes into the Round of 16, although securing a top-two finish would provide the clearest path.
England’s U-20 Women’s World Cup History
England’s most recent appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup produced a bronze medal in 2018.
That squad featured several players who later became established members of the senior England team, including Niamh Charles, Grace Fisk, Lauren Hemp, Taylor Hinds, Chloe Kelly, Esme Morgan, Ellie Roebuck, Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway.
The current Young Lionesses will hope to create their own history in Poland.
Lydia Bedford on England’s World Cup Squad
Bedford described the squad selection as an exciting moment and praised the players for their development during the summer.
She also highlighted the difficult decisions involved in selecting the final 21-player group, pointing to the strength and depth available across England’s youth pathway.
The head coach said the team's immediate focus is now on making the most of the opportunity, representing England with pride and seeing how far the squad can progress.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Final
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final will be played on Sunday, September 27, in Łódź, Poland.
England will need to navigate the group stage and knockout rounds before reaching the championship match.
With a mixture of domestic and international experience in the squad, the Young Lionesses will aim to challenge for the title.
England Women’s U-20 Squad 2026 Summary
Lydia Bedford has named a 21-player England squad for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
England will face Canada, Tanzania and Brazil in Group B. Their group matches will all take place at Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała.
The tournament begins in September, with the final scheduled for September 27 in Łódź.
England’s previous appearance ended with a bronze medal in 2018. The 2026 squad will now look to build on that history and make another deep run in the competition.
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