KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will play host to England youth later this month when the Football Association’s Under 17s International Tournament kicks-off the new campaign.

The Young Lions welcome Italy, Portugal and the Czech Republic for the competition, which pits each nation against the other in a total of six games with the ultimate table-toppers taking home the trophy.

John Peacock’s side will be in action for the first time on Wednesday, August 27 (7.30pm), when the Czech Republic are the opposition at Aggborough, which is also home of tenants Worcester City.

England then host Portugal at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield, on Friday, August 29, before the games are wrapped up on Sunday, August 31, against Italy at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

The sides will be based at St George’s Park, Burton, during the week with non-England fixtures also being held at Alfreton Town and Tamworth.

England’s matches will be the first with the under 17s head coach Peacock for the new campaign and act as preparation for the Euro Championships first qualifying round in Cyprus in October.

Peacock led the under 17s to glory in last season’s competition, beating the Netherlands in May’s final in Malta.

“It’s always a good opportunity to test ourselves against some of the top nations at this age-group level and we’re looking forward to it as always,” said Peacock.

“This will be the first season in a competitive UEFA tournament for the players and getting used to playing a four-group schedule like this is important in preparing us for the tests ahead.”

Tickets cost £3 for adults and £1.50 for under 16s per game and can be purchased through each of the relevant host clubs.

For more details, call 01562-823931 or e-mail info@Harriers.co.uk.

FIXTURES Wednesday, August 27: Portugal v Italy, 3pm, Alfreton Town; England v Czech Republic, 7.30pm, Kidderminster Harriers; Friday, August 29: Italy v Czech Republic, 3pm, Alfreton Town; England v Portugal, 7.30pm, Chesterfield; Sunday, August 31: Czech Republic v Portugal, 3pm, Tamworth; England v Italy, 3pm, Burton Albion.