On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the France U17s will face off against the England U17s in the European Under-17 Championship group stage.
This match is highly anticipated as both teams are part of a challenging group that also includes Spain and Portugal.
Team Form and History
France U17s
France comes into this tournament with a rich history, having won the European Under-17 Championship three times (2004, 2015, 2022).
They were runners-up last year, losing to Germany in a penalty shootout. This year, France is making its fourth consecutive appearance after a successful qualifying campaign where they secured three consecutive victories to book their place in Cyprus.
They will be looking to build on their strong form, having beaten England 2-1 in their final qualifying game earlier this year.
Recent Form: LWDWWW
England U17s
England has also had a successful history in this competition, winning twice (2010, 2014).
Their best performance in recent years was a runner-up finish in 2017, losing to Spain in the final.
This year, England is making its ninth consecutive appearance in the European Under-17 Championship.
Despite a setback against France in qualifying, where they played with ten men for 75 minutes, England had strong wins against Northern Ireland (5-1) and Hungary (5-0).
Recent Form: WLLWWL
Team News and Lineups
France U17s
France will rely heavily on their robust defence and midfield, with Paris Saint-Germain's Joane Gadou and Bordeaux's Mathys Angely likely set to operate as the centre-back pairing.
In the midfield, Yani Sellami, Darryl Bakola, and Ayyoub Bouaddi are contenders to start.
Rayane Messi, who scored four goals in six qualifying matches, will be one of the key attacking outlets.
Expected Lineup
Goalkeeper: Stawiecki
Defenders: Thebault, Gadou, Angely, Bienck
Midfielders: Sellami, Bakola, Bouaddi
Forwards: Kouakou, Messi, Sternal
England U17s
England will be without Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, who is serving a one-match suspension.
The defence is expected to feature Stephen Mfuni, Kian Noble, and Christian McFarlane.
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, who has been in fine form, will likely be crucial in the midfield.
Expected Lineup
Goalkeeper: Brits
Defenders: Mfuni, Noble, McFarlane
Midfielders: Shahar, Nwaneri, King, Harrison, Derry
Forwards: Dipepa, Mukasa
Prediction
Based on recent performances and historical encounters, France U17s have the upper hand.
They already defeated England this year, which will give them confidence going into this match. We predict a narrow win for France.
Our Prediction: France U17s 2-1 England U17s
FAQ
When is the France U17s vs England U17s match? The match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Where is the match taking place? The match will be held in Cyprus as part of the European Under-17 Championship group stage.
What time does the match start? The match will kick off at 6:30 PM UK time.
How have France U17s performed in past European Under-17 Championships? France U17s have a strong history in the tournament, having won it three times (2004, 2015, 2022) and finishing as runners-up last year.
How did France U17s qualify for this year's tournament? France U17s qualified by advancing through the elite round, winning three consecutive games to secure their place in Cyprus.
What is the recent form of the France U17s team? France U17s' recent form in all competitions is: LWDWWW.
Who are the key players for France U17s? Key players include Paris Saint-Germain's Joane Gadou, Bordeaux's Mathys Angely, and Dijon’s Rayane Messi, who scored four goals in six qualifying matches.
How have England U17s performed in past European Under-17 Championships? England U17s have won the competition twice (2010, 2014). Their best recent performance was a runner-up finish in 2017.
How did England U17s qualify for this year's tournament? England U17s qualified by winning crucial matches against Northern Ireland (5-1) and Hungary (5-0), despite a setback against France in their final qualifying game.
What is the recent form of the England U17s team? England U17s' recent form in all competitions is: WLLWWL.
Who are the key players for England U17s? Key players include Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, who has scored in each of his last three appearances for the team.
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