Arsenal academy midfielder Laila Harbert will captain England in the upcoming U17 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Harbert is one of eight Arsenal players to be included in the Young Lionesses' squad, alongside Hope McSheffrey, Eva Gray, Sophie Harwood, Niamh Peacock, Cecily Wellesley-Smith, Tara Junaid and Isabella Fisher.

The young midfielder spent last season on dual registration with Watford, before featuring for Arsenal in their post-season friendly in Australia and games in Washington D.C.

Harbert will captain England in the Dominican Republic, and said that "Captaining my country is the greatest honour."

"It comes with a lot of responsibility but I think as a team, we're so united that it's not just about being one individual. The whole team contributes in their own way, and we use each other's strengths to our advantage."

"The World Cup means potentially a month away from home. We’re going to find ways to adapt to a different time zone and different weather. It's 32 degrees out there right now! But we've got great plans in place and I’ve spoken to the medical team to prepare as best as possible for that. 

"Of course, I was just recently in the U.S. for Arsenal's pre-season tour so I think England were quite pleased that I'd had that experience!

"I want to come back to Arsenal and share my experience. I spoke to Leah, Lotte and Less about their experience at the U17 World Cup which was the last time England made the tournament in 2016. 

"They said that at any age group, playing in a major tournament is so special so just enjoy every moment. You don't get the time back. Especially at my age, there's no greater competition than the World Cup, so I’m just going to be present and make some memories."