Eight players in the England Under-17 national women’s team, who face Kenya’s Junior Starlets in their opening match of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Friday, play for Women’s Super League (WSL) side Arsenal.
Debutantes Kenya finds itself in a challenging Group ‘C’, which includes two-time champions North Korea, 2006 and 2016 quarterfinalists England, and 2018 finalists Mexico. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for October 26.
The Young Lionesses will kick off against Kenya at 2am Kenyan time at Estadio Cibao FC in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Kenya will then face North Korea on Sunday and wrap up their group stage campaign against Mexico next Thursday at the same venue.
Junior Starlets, coached by Mildred Cheche, arrived in North America on October 2 and have been in good form, securing a 3-1 victory in a friendly match against the Dominican Republic. Midfielder Marion Serenge and forwards Lindey Wee Atieno and Valarie Wekesa netted the goals in their win.
Speaking after a training session on Sunday, midfielder Velma Abwire expressed optimism, saying, “The training is going well; we are following our coaches’ instructions. We’re adapting to the hot weather, but managing well, and the food is similar to home.”
Goalkeeper Euphy Awuor also shared her excitement, adding, “To our loyal supporters back home, we want to thank you for your encouragement, and you can be assured that we will do our best to bring the trophy home.”
The England squad, led by head coach Natalie Henderson, was announced on October 5. After training in Miami for a week, the team moved to the Dominican Republic to prepare for the tournament. England’s team features several high-profile players from renowned European clubs.
Arsenal is well-represented, with key players such as goalkeeper Hope McSheffrey, defenders Eva Gray, Sophie Harwood, Niamh Peacock, and Cecily Smith, along with midfielders Isabela Fisher, Laila Herbert, Omotora Junaid, and forward Isabella Fisher, who also plays for Ipswich Town.
Other notable players include Leicester’s Eva Spencer, Nelly Las, Simone Sherwood, and forward Denny Draper. Liverpool’s squad features goalkeeper Eva Spencer and defender Zara Shaw, while forward Jane Oboavwodou represents Manchester City.
This eighth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be the last in its current format, with plans to expand the tournament to 24 teams and move from a biennial to an annual event starting in Morocco next year.
Kenya will look to defy the odds and make a mark on the global stage.
