Malta will kick off their UEFA Under-17 Championship campaign with a mouthwatering clash against England (winners in 2010) on May 9 after the draw paired our team with the Three Lions in a daunting Group A also containing two-time winners Netherlands (2011 and 2012) and Turkey who won the title in 2005.

Germany, one of the tournament favourites who were last crowned Euro U-17 champions in 2009, headline Group B which also features Switzerland (2002), Scotland and Portugal (2003).

The group stage games will be played on May 9, 12 and 15 at the National Stadium, Hibs Stadium and Gozo Stadium.

The top two from each section progress to the semi-finals on 18 May at the National Stadium, where the title match will also be staged three days later.

This will be the last eight-team final tournament before the expansion to a 16-nation event in Bulgaria next season.

The much-awaited draw, at St James Cavalier, was conducted by Jim Boyce, the chairman of the UEFA Youth and Amateur Committee with the assistance of tournament ambassadors David Carabott, Malta’s most capped player with 123 appearances, and Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, chairman of the Malta Youth FA.

“At this stage, all the teams are very strong,” Robert Gatt, the Malta FA technical director, told Times of Malta after the draw.

“Perhaps, interest in Malta’s participation will increase be-cause we have drawn England but all the games are difficult.”

Gatt said Malta, under the guidance of Sergio Soldano, have been training hard to strengthen their chances of giving a good account of themselves in the May 9-21 tournament.

“The boys have been working hard to produce a good performance in this tournament,” Gatt said.

“It’s going to be a great experience for our players. We are all excited and can’t wait to start playing.”

Strong contenders

England, the Netherlands and Turkey are all regarded as genuine contenders to succeed Russia as U-17 European champions come May 21.

John Peacock, the head coach of the England U-17 team, said: “The first thing is that we are happy to be participating in this tournament. The first hurdle has been overcome. It is a fair draw and both groups are difficult.

“Of the eight teams in the final tournament, six have already won this competition. We will be going all out to achieve success.”

Fernando Arrabal, the co-ordinator of the Dutch national youth teams, echoed Peacock’s views.

“There is no difference between the groups,” Arrabal said.

“Most of the teams have the chance to win the cup and I’m confident that we will see some exciting games.”

In welcoming the representatives of the competing nations and other distinguished guests at yesterday’s draw, Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA president, reiterated the association’s delight to be hosting such a prestigious tournament.

“When UEFA entrusted us with the hosting of this final championship, we were happy but we were also aware of the magnitude of this challenge,” Darmanin Demajo said.

“We probably didn’t envisage the positive response we have received from the people of Malta and Gozo.

“We look forward to our team’s participation in this tournament. It might not be our last with the increase in the number of participating teams from next year’s edition.

“We are aware of our strength as well as the strength of the teams that have qualified.

“We might not win many points but we will surely win your hearts with our warm welcome and hospitality.”

Boyce, who is also a FIFA vice-president, expressed his satisfaction that this year’s UEFA Under-17 Championship is being held here.

“It’s an honour and pleasure to be here,” Boyce, who endured some awkward moments during the draw as he struggled to open the balls containing the names of the teams, said.

“My good friends Ludovico Micallef (MFA vice-president) and Norman Darmanin Demajo told me how proud they were when this competition was awarded to Malta.

“The Maltese team will face tough competition but football is about bringing people together.”

Also present for yesterday’s draw were Evarist Bartolo, the Minister for Education, and Chris Agius, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport.

The draw

Group A
Malta (hosts), England, Netherlands, Turkey

Group B
Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, Portugal

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