OXFORD United Women centre back Cecily Wellesley-Smith has been named in the England squad for the Under-17s Women’s World Cup.

Wellesley-Smith is one of 21 players that will fly out to the Dominican Republic, with England’s campaign getting underway later this month.

The Young Lionesses will first travel to Miami for a training camp next week, before facing Kenya, Mexico and North Korea in Group C.

The group stage begins on October 16, with four groups at the tournament, and the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stage.

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England will be UEFA’s representatives along with Poland and Spain, and have qualified for just the third time.

The last time England qualified was in 2016, with a squad featuring the likes of Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone.

England head coach Natalie Henderson said: “We’re really proud to qualify for a World Cup and we’re very excited as a group of staff and players to represent England and compete against some of the top teams in the world.

“Playing in a World Cup, at any age, is a terrific experience for our young players, both on and off the pitch, and something we strive for within our pathway.

"Being away from home for an extended period of time, playing against other nations and experiencing different football styles, whilst having to cope with that added level of pressure, are all challenges the squad are excited for.

“We want to go and show the world what we can do and enjoy every moment along the way.”