The Malta Under-17 side leaves Malta on Thursday, destination England, in order to take part in the UEFA Under-17 Championship Elite Round Group 7.

Malta will be facing Slovakia in the first match on Saturday, kick-off at 14:00 CET. In the second game, Charles Scerri’s side takes on hosts England, on Monday, kick-off at 20:00 while the third and final match is against Sweden on Thursday 1st April, kick-off at 20:00. Malta will be playing the three matches at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton Albion.

Malta reached this stage as one of the best third-placed teams following a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and a goalless draw against hosts Andorra in Group 8. In the first match, Malta had lost 2-0 to Northern Ireland.

England won Group 1 with maximum points after a 6-2 win over Kazakhstan, a 4-0 win over Azerbaijan and a 1-0 win over Serbia. Sweden finished as runners-up in Group 6 after a 2-0 win over Latvia and two 0-0 draws with Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland. On the other hand, Slovakia placed second in Group 11 after defeating Luxembourg 2-0, Albania 3-0 and a 0-1 defeat to Hungary.

The 18-man squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Yenz Cini (Valletta), Carlos Dimech (Pietà);
defenders Steve Agius (Qormi), Lee Galea (San Gwann), Brandon Gatt (Hibs), Christian Grech (Pietà), John Micallef (Hibs), Zach Muscat (Pietà);
midfielders Terence Agius (Pietà), Sacha Borg (Floriana), Dylan D’Agostino (Valletta), John Debono (Naxxar), Bjorn Kristensen (Silkeborg), Ian Scerri (Hibs);
forwards Siraj Eddin Arab (Valletta), Christian Briffa (Hibs), Michael Camilleri (Birkirkara), Ryan Dalli (Sliema).

Accompanying the squad in England besides coach Charles Scerri will be his assistant Edwin Camilleri, team doctor Dr Stefan Grech, physiotherapist Chris Fenech and kit manager Mark Piscopo. Mr. Joe Micallef is the Head of Delegation.

Photo courtesy of Louis Micallef