Town duo Andre Dozzell and Ben Morris could win their first England U18 caps this evening when the Young Lions take on Italy at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium in the first game of a mini-tournament in the North-West.

The England youngsters, who are coached by Neil Dewsnip, also face Israel at Morecambe’s Globe Arena on Monday.

Both Dozzell and Morris were with the England U17s at the European Championships in Azerbaijan in the summer, where they lost to Spain at the last eight stage.

“Last season ended in disappointment for us with the U17s, going out in the quarter-finals of the Euros," Dozzell told TheFA.com.

"It was a great experience, it’s knockout football and it’s a big tournament, which runs right through to the seniors.

"We know we could and should have gone further, but in knockout football, anything can happen."

The 17-year-old midfielder, who has made two starts and one sub appearance for the Blues and scored on his debut at Sheffield Wednesday last season, is looking forward to the England U18s season to come with trips to face Sweden, Qatar and Argentina lined-up in addition to the current tournament.

"There will be a lot of good experiences for us, we’re going to be going away quite a lot and it’s exciting for us playing nations from around the world,” he added.

"Those of us who were involved at the Euros had a great learning curve and if this season is anything like that again, then it can only be a good thing for us as players and individuals.

"We know Italy are good, we’ve played them before and as a nation they’re always tough to play, right up to the senior team. So they’ll be hard to beat and it will be a good experience playing against them again.

"Israel is a new one and a nation we haven’t really faced before, but I’m sure they’ll be good and cause us problems. Any team at international level is of a decent standard and always hard to beat."

Meanwhile, midfielder Kevin Bru was withdrawn from the Mauritius squad facing Mozambique away in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday due to a minor knock, which is not thought likely to keep him out of Town’s next game at Reading a week tomorrow.

Central defender Christophe Berra is currently away with Scotland ahead of their first World Cup qualifier in Malta on Sunday, while new loan signing Tom Lawrence is with the Wales squad for their opening qualifier against Moldova in Cardiff.

Keeper Michael Crowe is with the Wales U21s who face Denmark and Luxembourg in Euro 2017 qualifiers.

England U18s: Ellery Balcombe (Brentford), Ryan Sandford (Millwall), Jared Thompson (Chelsea), Tolaji Bola (Arsenal), Jaden Brown (Tottenham Hotspur), Jonathan Dinzeyi (Tottenham Hotspur), Morgan Feeney (Everton), Ahogrenashinme Kigbu (Manchester City), Jordan Williams (Huddersfield Town), Dennis Adeniran (Fulham), Sadou Diallo (Manchester City), Andre Dozzell (Ipswich Town), Marcus McGuane (Arsenal), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Niall Ennis (Wolverhampton Wanderers), George Hirst (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Leko (West Bromwich Albion), Ben Morris (Ipswich Town), Reiss Nelson (Arsenal).

Photos: TWTD

Currie10 added 13:41 - Sep 1 Lets appreciate the fact Dozzell is 17 and let him develop. He is in the mix and will be learning plenty off Bishop and co. Great to see the academy working.
1

mickeyjb added 14:28 - Sep 1 Niall Ennis, this is a very decent player. Was injured for the U17 Euros. Would love him at town.
0

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls