Under-17 team guide: England
Monday, May 5, 2003
Article summary
England's perfect qualification record indicates that they will be title contenders in Portugal.
Article body
For England's Under-17 team page click here
As one of only two sides to reach the finals with a 100 per cent qualification record England are instantly among the pre-tournament favourites.
Tough group
However last season's semi-finalists have been drawn in a tough group alongside Spain, Italy and Israel so they will have to do it the hard way if they are to triumph in Portugal.
THE COACH:
Formerly head of Derby County FC's academy John Peacock has a wealth of coaching experience at youth levels. The well-respected Peacock is also a firm believer in the value of youth schemes and tournaments.
'Invaluable experience'
"The investment that clubs are now making in their academies I am sure is the biggest reason for some of these young players coming through," he told the FA's official website. "Hopefully a good performance by the boys in Portugal will also give them some more invaluable experience to take back to their clubs."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Four of England's squad have made their first-team debuts this season - James Milner (Leeds United AFC), Ryan Jarvis (Norwich City FC), Dean Bowditch (Ipswich Town FC) and Lee Holmes (Derby County FC). Of this quartet Milner is arguably the most exciting prospect.
Milner landmarks
Having become the second-youngest player ever to appear in the Premiership behind Coventry City FC's Gary McSheffrey, Milner went on to break Wayne Rooney's record as the youngest Premiership scorer by four days, when he registered against Sunderland AFC aged just aged 16 and 357 days in December 2002.
ROUTE TO THE FINALS:
As a seeded side England did not have to take part in the first qualifying round. In the second round they waltzed through a tough group, beating Czech Republic 2-0, Slovakia 5-0 and Scotland 2-0.
Strength in depth
The side's strength in depth was amply demonstrated by the fact that seven different England players got on the scoresheet over the course of the three games.
England youth honours:
UEFA European Under-18 Championship:
Winners 1975, 1980, 1993
