Chelsea’s Charlotte Fleming has made the Young Lionesses squad for the Uefa European Women’s U17 championship finals in Bulgaria, writes Jane Grove.

The England team play Germany tomorrow (Sunday) before matches against Austria on Wednesday and the Netherlands on Saturday May 11.

It’s an important stepping stone for one of Chelsea’s rising stars; full England internationals Georgia Stanway – playing in today’s Women’s FA Cup final for Man City – and Gooner Leah Williamson both cut their teeth in the Young Lionesses, captaining the side in the U17 age group in 2016 and 2013 respectively… Stanway winning a bronze medal.

Eight nations are challenging for this year’s title, with the top two from each group reaching the semi-finals.

Head coach Gemma Grainger said: “Naming the squad has been a privilege with such a talented group of players. This is the first competitive international tournament for this age group and playing at a finals presents invaluable learning opportunities.

“We are very passionate about providing young lionesses with the support they need to further their development and become ready to win as senior lionesses. Tomorrow, we begin our journey with our opening game against Germany. We know the more games we play, the more we learn about each other and we’re all really excited.”

Fleming also featured in the autumn 2018 squad, alongside Blues colleague Maisy Barker.

Three months ago Fleming was on the scoresheet as Chelsea’s development squad beat the London Bees 11-0.

The Young Lionesses squad

Goalkeepers

Emma Bradley (Manchester City), Emily Orman (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Defenders
Lucy Johnson (Leicester City), Sophie Quirk (Reading), Maya Le Tissier (Brighton and Hove Albion), Eleanor Hack (Brighton and Hove Albion), Gracie Pearse (Arsenal), Ella Morris (Southampton)

Midfielders
Charlotte Fleming (Chelsea), Rebecca May (Manchester United), Ruby Grant (Arsenal), Melisa Filis (Arsenal), Ellen Jones (Bristol City), Paige Peake (FA Women’s East Region Academy in partnership with Ipswich Town)

Forwards
Eleanor Dale (Middlesbrough), Emma Harries (Reading), Katie Robinson (Bristol City), Francesca Stables (Manchester United), Alisha Ware (Southampton), Keri Matthews (York City)