Is Thomas Rew the Right Choice for Captain of England’s U19 World Cup Squad?
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Synopsis
The ECB has revealed the England U19 squad for the World Cup in Zimbabwe. Led by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew, the team combines experienced players with promising newcomers, aiming to achieve greatness on a global stage. Will they rise to the occasion against formidable opponents? Find out more about the squad and their journey ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Rew appointed as captain for U19 World Cup.
- Farhan Ahmed serves as vice-captain.
- Ali Farooq earns first selection for the squad.
- England begins their campaign on January 16.
- Top teams will progress to the Super Six stage.
London, December 23 (NationPress) – The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has revealed a 15-member squad for the upcoming Men’s U19 World Cup, which will take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia starting January 15, 2026.
Leading the team will be Thomas Rew, the wicketkeeper-batter from Somerset, who recently participated in the England Lions tour of Australia. He has been appointed as the captain for the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.
In Rew’s absence during the recent seven-match Youth ODI series against West Indies in Grenada, Farhan Ahmed, an all-rounder from Nottinghamshire, stepped in as captain and will now serve as vice-captain for the tournament. Additionally, Ali Farooq, a left-arm spinner from Leicestershire, has been selected for the Young Lions for the first time.
Mike Yardy, the Head Coach for England Men U19s, expressed in an ECB statement, “This represents a fantastic opportunity for our selected players to don an England shirt at a World Cup and strive to accomplish something remarkable.
“We have a well-rounded squad featuring a strong core of players who possess county experience and have built a solid rapport while playing together in the U19 setup, which will be beneficial during the tournament.
“I encourage the players to relish this chance to compete at a World Cup in a stunning location like Zimbabwe and to fully embrace the opportunity to showcase their skills against various nations.”
The England team will be based in Zimbabwe, competing in Group C of the challenging 16-team tournament. Their campaign kicks off with a match against Pakistan in Harare on January 16, followed by encounters with co-hosts Zimbabwe and Scotland on January 18 and 21, respectively.
The top three teams from each of the four groups will progress to the ‘Super Six’ stage, culminating in the final match at Harare Sports Club on February 6.
Here is England's squad for the U19 World Cup:
Thomas Rew (c), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores, and Sebastian Morgan.
Point of View
The announcement of the England U19 World Cup squad is a pivotal moment for young talent. The selection of Thomas Rew as captain reflects the ECB's commitment to nurturing future stars. This tournament not only provides invaluable experience but also showcases England's potential on a global platform, fostering hope for the next generation of cricketers.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of the England U19 squad?
The captain of the England U19 squad is Thomas Rew, a Somerset wicketkeeper-batter.
When does the U19 World Cup start?
The U19 World Cup is set to start on January 15, 2026.
Which countries are hosting the U19 World Cup?
The U19 World Cup will be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Who are the vice-captain and a notable new selection?
Farhan Ahmed serves as vice-captain, and Ali Farooq is a notable uncapped selection.
What is the format of the tournament?
The tournament consists of 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top three from each group advancing to the Super Six stage.
