England U21 name squad for 'important' clash with Las Leonas

England U21 Women head coach LJ Lewis has named her squad that will take on Spain‘s senior national team this weekend in an uncapped fixture.

Gloucester Hartpury back-row Sophie McQueen will captain the team for the first time in the against Las Leonas.

There are 11 of the 26 player squad that have gained caps at U20 level. This includes Saracens‘ Amelia MacDougall, who has been more regularly seen at fly-half, who starts at scrum-half this Saturday.

Trailfinders Women trio Jasmine Adroni, Haidee Head and Hayley Jones all start the game. In January all three players took part in a senior Red Roses training camp.

LJ Lewis, England U21 Women head coach, said: “This group has shown courage in attacking every challenge put in front of them so far, showing commitment to improving with a mindset has been exceptional in our preparation.

“The connections built on and off the field have translated into the intensity we’re seeing in training and in how we want to play the game. The way our players have bonded and taken ownership through strong leadership has set a standard we want to maintain.

“Facing Spain’s senior side is an exciting and important test for us. It gives this group a chance to experience the physicality and game understanding required at the next level, while showcasing the identity and values we’re continuing to embed as we build towards the Six Nations.”

Lewis and assistant coach Sarah McKenna have been supported by PDG Coaching Lead Benny Williams and Amber Reed in preparation for the fixture. The game kicks off at 3pm [BST] at Estadio El Pantano on Saturday.

After the clash with Spain, England U21 Women will begin preparations for their Six Nations Women’s U21 Series which starts against Scotland U21 Women at Hive Stadium on Saturday 18 April.

England U21 Women’s team to face Spain

(includes club, community club, previous U20 caps)

15 Lauren Bailey (Bristol Bears, Dings Crusaders, uncapped)
14 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 1 cap)
13 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 8 caps)
12 Molly Bunker (Gloucester Hartpury, Havant RFC, 2 caps)
11 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, uncapped)
10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 7 caps)
9 Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 7 caps)
1 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 10 caps)
2 Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
3 Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, uncapped)
4 Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 3 caps)
5 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, uncapped)
6 Zoë Dare (Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC, uncapped)
7 Sophie McQueen (Gloucester Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 3 caps)
8 Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, Easts Tigers Rugby Union, uncapped)

Replacements
16 Lucy Simpson (Gloucester Hartpury, Rams RFC, 3 caps)
17 Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, 2 caps)
18 Ruby Winstanley (Harlequins, Guildfordians RFC, uncapped)
19 Tamsin Baynes (Loughborough Lightning, Market Harborough RFC, uncapped)
20 Seren Coombs (London Irish Ladies, Jersey RFC, uncapped)
21 Kaya Acton (Loughborough Lightning, Hull Ionians RFC, uncapped)
22 Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, 2 caps)
23 Natalee Evans (Bristol Bears, Shrewsbury RFC, uncapped)
24 Francesca Welsher (Exeter University, Winscombe, uncapped)
25 Alice Bennett (Loughborough University, Peterborough RUFC, uncapped)
26 Jo Vosakiwaiwai (Harlequins, Andover RFC, uncapped)