The England MU20s squad huddle after their victory over Germany earlier this season

The England MU20s squad huddle after their victory over Germany earlier this season

England MU20s head to France this week to compete in the Maurice Revello Tournament, with head coach Paul Simpson selecting a 21-man squad for the trip.

The Young Lions will face initial opposition from Japan, Portugal and Chile in their group stage, as England aim to retain a title which they’ve held for the last three years.

And Simpson has named a group with plenty of experience for the trip to Provence, including players who have featured throughout the campaign and a first England call-up for Derby County's 18-year-old defender Jayden Bogle.

There’s also a return to the international fold for Bogle’s club-mate Max Lowe who last featured for the U20s back in 2017.

“I’m really pleased with the squad we’ve got for the tournament," said Simpson. "It’s a new group, a real mix of ages and an opportunity for some of those who haven’t been as involved this season to play international football.

“It’s also a great chance for players to experience high-level tournament football, going through the processes of preparation, playing, recovering and then getting ready for the next game.

“This tournament is very prestigious and one that England have done very well in in the past and our group will be looking to emulate what’s gone before us.

"We’re expecting every game to be tough and we know a number of the teams are coming with their Olympic preparation squads but these are the sorts of challenging opposition that we want our players to be facing for their development.

Expand England's class of 2018 lift the Maurice Revello Tournament trophy after a win over Mexico in the final

“In our group we’re playing very different types of opposition. Japan’s energy and technical ability will be a real test, Portugal are always a strong nation throughout the age groups and play very similarly tactically, while Chile will give us a chance to play a South American team which we don’t get to do often.

“It’s a challenge that we’re really looking forward to and we’ll be confident going into the games and looking to get through to the semi-finals."

Now in its 47th year, the prestigious tournament is staged across a variety of venues in Provence and the Young Lions kick-off their defence of the title in Aubagne on Saturday 1 June against Japan.

They then tackle Portgual on Tuesday 4 June in Salon before Chile are the opponents in Fos-sur-Mer on Friday 7 June.

Depending on how the group finishes, the semi-finals are on Wednesday 12 June with the final being held in Salon on Saturday 15 June.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Ellery Balcombe (Brentford), Nathan Bishop (Southend United)^

Defenders: Jayden Bogle (Derby County), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea)^^, Max Lowe (Derby County), Tom Pearce (Leeds United), Steven Sessegnon (Fulham)

Midfielders: Josh Dasilva (Brentford)*, Sam Field (West Bromwich Albion)^^, Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Dwight McNeil (Burnley), Jamie Shackleton (Leeds United)**, Josh Sims (Southampton), Joe Willock (Arsenal)

Forwards: Kyle Edwards (West Bromwich Albion), Eberechi Eze (Queens Park Rangers), George Hirst (OH Leuven), Danny Loader (Reading), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal), Marcus Tavernier (Middlesbrough)

* Squad addition

** Replaces Easah Suliman (Aston Villa)

*** Replaces Nathan Trott (West Ham United)

^ Replaces Ryan Schofield (Huddersfield Town)***

^^ Withdrawn injured after Chile game