Schoolgirls to represent England at world cup
BBCAn under-18s girls' football team will represent England in a schools world cup taking place in China.
The team from Parkstone Grammar School, near Poole, Dorset, will head to Suzhou for the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World Cup 2026, which gets under way on Saturday.
The squad was selected after reaching the semi-finals of a national schools tournament, and will play six matches against teams that could include schools from Brazil, Morocco, Germany and France.
PE teacher Gavin Rusling said: "Walking out with England on the back of your tracksuit and just being stood there on that bench in that moment in the stadium... goosebumps will come in at that moment."
Player Harriet said: "We've never had anything like it before. It's so new, but I think we're just going to go out there and smash it."
More than 50 teams will take part across the boys' and girls' championships, which run until 26 October, with the draw for the group stages taking place on Friday.
As well as playing, the teams will take part in cultural exchanges, including visits to local schools.
Juno said: "It's going to be really interesting because it's a whole different culture. The opening ceremony is going to be cool with all the different nationalities."
"We've got better over the years as we've spent more time together," she said. "It's going to be a great thing to show off how great we are."
Summer added: "It's genuinely such a great experience and we're all so excited."
It is only the second time the ISF has held the tournament, after the first in Dalian, China, in 2024 drew players from more than 30 countries.
Matches will be played at venues including the 40,000-capacity Suzhou Sports Center.
"To get that invite was a real honour," said Rusling. "I don't think it's sunk in. They've earned it over the years of fantastic play."
