Arsenal’s Chris Willock has been handed the vice captain’s armband for the England u17 side at the World Cup.

The 17-year-old has been impressing at every level and the highly-rated youngster from London will play back-up to Tom Davies after Neil Dewsnip, u17 head coach, revealed his squad for the competition that will kick-off in Chile this weekend.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Christopher Willock of England is tackled by Leonardo Rivoira of Italy during the International match betweeen Engand Under 17 and Italy Under17 at Pirelli Stadium on August 31, 2014 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Christopher Willock of England is tackled by Leonardo Rivoira of Italy during the International match betweeen Engand Under 17 and Italy Under17 at Pirelli Stadium on August 31, 2014 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Facing Guinea in their opening match, the young Lions will then play Brazil three days later before a final group game against South Korea.

Dewsnip explained how he decided on Davies and Wilock for the roles. “We’ve looked for someone who is well-respected by the whole group,” he told TheFA.com.

“After consulting with the players who have been involved throughout the pathway over the last few years, Tom seemed to be the obvious candidate both from the players and staff, as was Chrissy as vice-captain.

“Tom was unavailable for our game against DR Congo last week, so Chrissy took on that role and I thought he handled it very well.

“We are looking to develop qualities of leadership and this is one of the ways that players can develop their skills in that area.”

SINGAPORE - JULY 15: Chris Willock of Arsenal competes with Zulfahmi Arifin of Singapore during the Barclays Asia Trophy match between Arsenal and Singapore at National Stadium on July 15, 2015 in Singapore. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)
SINGAPORE – JULY 15: Chris Willock of Arsenal competes with Zulfahmi Arifin of Singapore during the Barclays Asia Trophy match between Arsenal and Singapore at National Stadium on July 15, 2015 in Singapore. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

Willock made his first appearance for the Arsenal senior team during their pre-season tour of Singapore and big things are expected of him.