ENGLAND SQUADS SELECTED FOR YOUTH WORLD CHAMPS 2024

THREE of the strongest squads ever selected will represent England in the Youth World Championships this summer, it has been confirmed.

Following a series of assessment days and talent pathway sessions during March and April, managers Mark Downes, Jason Kirk, Joe Roberts, Matt Godfrey, and James Dent have each announced their Three Lions squads for the big event on the DTD Canal in Serbia this August.

The Guru England U15 will once again consist of Alfie Sweiton and Barnaby Newman with new caps earned by Charlie Drinkwater, Charlie Isaacs, and Tommy Higginbottom for the 2024 championships.

England’s U20 side scooped the major accolades at the event last Summer taking team gold as well as individual gold and silver medals. Manager Jason Kirk is looking for more of the same this time around and has selected a core of anglers from last year to fly the flag.

Returning for 2024 are World Champ Joshua Duffy, silver medallist Billy Kirk, George McHugh, and Alfie Nicholls. They will be joined by new caps Harry Franklin, Jacob Lees, and James Geddes.

Mark Downes and assistant manager Darran Bickerton have selected an experienced-packed squad for the Sensas-backed U25 side with Josh Derry, Josh Newman, Will McCranor, and Lewis Bray all back from last summer, with Jestyn Sephton and Brandon George making their debuts in an England shirt this time.

“The teams have been given plenty of homework to do before departure as this will be a tricky venue to master,” revealed Mark. “The feeder team earned bronze on here last year, but this is all float fishing and we’re on it a couple of weeks later than their match, will could have an impact.

“It’s a huge canal off the Danube and if there’s colour in the water then we’re looking to target skimmers and carassio but if it’s clear then it’ll be catfish on the slider at 40m.

“The teams which have been selected are a mixture of experience and raw talent with many coming through the England pathway. We’re taking some exceptionally team-orientated anglers who have had good seasons on the domestic scene too so I’m sure we’ll do well.”