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Sunday, May 17, 2026

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England World Cup hopes disappear

England’s Under-17 side fell short in their bid to reach the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Poland in their final match of the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship.

The game was played at Inver Park in Larne, marking the Young Lionesses’ last outing in the tournament. Having drawn 1-1 with Norway in their concluding group stage fixture the previous week – with Norway advancing to second place on goals scored – England required a victory against Poland to secure a play-off spot at the World Cup. Both nations had finished third in their respective groups, with England placed third in Group A and Poland third in Group B.

England started brightly, with Sophia Burton threading a pass down the left for Mia Dixon, though the Arsenal forward’s shot lacked power and was comfortably saved by Poland goalkeeper Hanna Buchta.

Later in the first half, Lucy Robinson produced a vital block to deny Zofia Burzan, before the Polish forward tested England keeper Evie Mitchell with a shot that was straight at her.

Poland broke the deadlock five minutes before the interval. Burzan won possession and calmly slotted the ball home in the 41st minute to give her side a 1-0 lead going into the break.

The striker then added a second goal ten minutes into the second half, bursting into the box and finishing clinically to make it 2-0 and extend her tally as the tournament’s top scorer.

England responded with a dangerous cross from substitute Zoe Ciccardini, introduced at half time, which forced a clearance behind. Kerri Welsh’s team enjoyed periods of good possession, with Kyri Teer-Hutchins delivering a cross that captain Katie Scott met with a header, but she was unable to keep her effort on target.

As the clock ran down, Poland substitute Marta Kwiatkowska fired a shot that lacked conviction and was gathered by Mitchell. In the sixth minute of added time, England won a corner, and Lucy Robinson rose highest at the back post, only for her header to strike the woodwork.

Despite the late pressure, the Young Lionesses were unable to find a way back, confirming their elimination from World Cup contention.

England Under-17: Evie Mitchell, Katie Scott, Romia Gagliano, Lucy Robinson, Amarachukwu Nwankwo, Kyri Teer-Hutchins (sub Cairo Antoine 78mins), Mia Dixon, Maisie Brickell (sub Freya Hirons 66mins), Sophia Burton (sub Bryony Brodie 45mins), Phoebe De Bohan (sub Zoe Ciccardini 45mins), Chelsea N’Drin (sub Abbie Jones 90mins). Subs not used: Victoria Rudz, Gabby Storey, Isabella Cowley, Lottie Day.