Extra Time with GirlsontheBall
Sep 3, 2026 · 29 min · 13 segments
Join Sophie and Rachel as they preview the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup kicking off in Poland this weekend. They discuss the Young Lionesses group with Canada, Tanzania and Brazil, the players to watch…
Okay, first up, why does this tournament matter, Sophie? Last time England were at an under-20s World Cup was 2018, where they claimed the bronze medal, beating France on penalties.
I remember coming out for a little day trip for that.
I think you were already out there.
No, so I spent the summer flying in and out of
France, and unfortunately it wasn't in the most accessible... we did so I flew into Paris and drove up a lot and it was like a lot um and then for the one that we did I think it was in I can't remember we stopped in Le Havre on the way and then we went to this small quaint French town yes um and uh no it was very sweet we uh it was it wasn't much more I think um The tournament's come on so much since then as well.
It was a nice stadium, but it wasn't the biggest stadium and stuff.
So I think, yeah, there's been massive advances in many senses in terms of what is being done at youth level.
I do remember that game.
It being absolutely packed at the stadium.
It was like three or four deep around the pitch.
Some of the youngsters who featured, you might recognise.
Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, Chloe Kelly, Taylor Hines, Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, to name just a few.
Alongside one, Patrick Goyal.
Imagine.
Sandy McIver, one best goalkeeper.
But it gives you a flavour of some of the talent who have come through that pathway and where they are now.
Yeah, that was a very talented group.
And I think it just goes to prove how important these youth tournaments are.
So I think, yeah, it's very clear how integral a step up it is in terms of preparing these players.
Not just for tournament football, which is really important.
Being away from home so young is really important.
Adjusting to life on camp.
Okay, first up, why does this tournament matter, Sophie? Last time England were at an under-20s World Cup was 2018, where they claimed the bronze medal, beating France on penalties.
I remember coming out for a little day trip for that.
I think you were already out there.
No, so I spent the summer flying in and out of
France, and unfortunately it wasn't in the most accessible... we did so I flew into Paris and drove up a lot and it was like a lot um and then for the one that we did I think it was in I can't remember we stopped in Le Havre on the way and then we went to this small quaint French town yes um and uh no it was very sweet we uh it was it wasn't much more I think um The tournament's come on so much since then as well.
It was a nice stadium, but it wasn't the biggest stadium and stuff.
So I think, yeah, there's been massive advances in many senses in terms of what is being done at youth level.
I do remember that game.
It being absolutely packed at the stadium.
It was like three or four deep around the pitch.
Some of the youngsters who featured, you might recognise.
Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, Chloe Kelly, Taylor Hines, Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, to name just a few.
Alongside one, Patrick Goyal.
Imagine.
Sandy McIver, one best goalkeeper.
But it gives you a flavour of some of the talent who have come through that pathway and where they are now.
Yeah, that was a very talented group.
And I think it just goes to prove how important these youth tournaments are.
So I think, yeah, it's very clear how integral a step up it is in terms of preparing these players.
Not just for tournament football, which is really important.
Being away from home so young is really important.
Adjusting to life on camp.
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