SOMERSET’S teenage sensation Thomas Rew has been named captain of the England Under 19 squad to take part in the Under 19 World Cup early in 2026.

The England selectors have confirmed the 15-player squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s U19s World Cup, which begins in Namibia and Zimbabwe early in the New Year.

Somerset wicketkeeper-batter Rew returns to captain the squad after he was called up to the England Lions for the first time on their recent tour of Australia.

Nottinghamshire all-rounder Farhan Ahmed, who deputised as captain in Rew’s absence during the seven-match Youth ODI series against West Indies in Grenada, retains a leadership role as vice-captain. Uncapped Leicestershire left-arm spinner Ali Farooq has earned his first Young Lions call-up.

England Men U19s head coach Mike Yardy said: “This is an amazing opportunty for the players we have selected to not only wear an England shirt at a World Cup but also to go out and try and do something special.

“We have a balanced squad with a core group of players who already have county experience and who have developed a camerarderie while playing together for the U19s that will serve them well during the tournament.

“I really want the players to enjoy the opportunity to play at a World Cup, in a beautiful country like Zimbabwe, and to embrace the chance to compete against different countries and show their quality.”

The Young Lions will be based in Zimbabwe and have been drawn in Group C of the 16-team tournament. They open their campaign against Pakistan in Harare on Friday, 16 January, before matches against co-hosts Zimbabwe and Scotland.

The top three nations from each of the four groups qualify for the ‘Super Six’ stage, with the final to be staged at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, 6 February.