England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) The team of 15 players has been officially announced for 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World CupWith Somerset’s rising star Thomas Rev Named as captain. In this tournament to be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, England’s “Young Lions” will try to regain the trophy which they last won in 1998.
Thomas Ray takes the helm
Reeve, a prolific wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a standout performer in the youth circuit, most recently making headlines with a record-breaking century off 73 balls against India U19 earlier this year. Having already gained experience with the England Lions, Reeve’s leadership is seen as vital to the squad being rich with county experience.
He will be supported by the Nottinghamshire all-rounder Farhan AhmedWho has been named vice-captain. Ahmed, younger brother of senior England international Rehan AhmedRecently led the team during the Youth ODI series in West Indies.
New faces and proven talent
The team has a mix of established household names and exciting new prospects. Leicestershire left arm spinner Ali Farooq Earned his first call-up to the national youth team after impressive performances in the Second XI Championship. Other notable inclusions include Surrey. Ralphie Albert And alex frenchBoth of them have already made their professional debut in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Also read: Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa have a real chance of winning the T20 World Cup 2026
Group C and tournament outlook
England have been drawn in Group C with the co-hosts zimbabwe, pakistanAnd scotlandThey are scheduled to play all their group-stage matches at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, The tournament will officially begin on January 15, 2026, with the final taking place on February 6 at the historic Harare Sports Club,
England squad for U19 World Cup 2026: Thomas Reeve (captain), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Faulkner, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores, Sebastian Morgan.
Also read: Australia announces strong squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Oliver Peak to lead
