Hammers youngster Alese in England U17s Euros squad

Ajibola Alese

West Ham United youngster Ajibola Alese has been named in the England squad for the UEFA Euro U17 Championships, which get underway on Friday.

Defender Alese appeared for the Club's Premier League 2 side on five occasions this term, despite only turning 17 in January, and has been rewarded for his progress with a place in Steve Cooper's final 20-man squad.

Alese debuted at this level in February and will hope to play his part as the Young Lions look to go one better than last year's runners-up finish to Spain.

The tournament is taking place on home soil, with six venues in the Midlands playing host to the 16-team tournament.

England's campaign gets underway on Friday with a game against Israel at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium.

They follow that by taking on Italy at Walsall on Monday, before concluding the group stage with next Thursday's meeting with Switzerland at Rotherham.