QPR lead the way in one surprising metric ahead of FIFA U20s World Cup

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The FIFA U20s World Cup is just around the corner, and while England are not involved, there will be some representation from the EFL over the course of the next month.

Chile play host to the tournament, with the first games set for Saturday at 9pm BST as South Korea face Ukraine while Japan entertain Egypt.

After the EFL was well represented by England at the U21s Euros in the summer, 10 players from the country’s leagues will feature in South America.

However, while many would expect the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City to be the dominant teams in this situation, it is actually a Championship side who have sent the most players to Chile.

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QPR have sent more players to the U20s World Cup than any other English club

Surprisingly QPR have three players at this year’s U20s World Cup, with fellow Championship clubs West Brom and Watford sending two themselves. Ipswich Town and Bristol City are also represented.

Two of those set to feature in Chile play for Australia, with Daniel Bennie looking for his 11th cap at U20s level. He played in the defensive midfield role for the R’s in their 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle last month.

He will be joined by Jaylan Pearman, who also featured in that clash at Home Park. The 19-year-old has nine caps and two goals for Australia U20s.

The third and final QPR player on his way to the World Cup is Tylon Smith. The centre-back made his debut against Plymouth as well, and he will be playing his football for South Africa.

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QPR youngsters will be looking to impress Julien Stephan

It’s been a strong start to the season for the R’s, and new boss Julien Stephan is settling in well at Loftus Road.

Richard Kone has been in rich form for QPR, while Ali Maxwell has praised Nicolas Madsen’s impact as the West London club look for a play-off spot.

For Bennie, Pearman and Smith, the U20s World Cup is an opportunity to shine on the international stage and prove to those back in the capital that they have enough to help the team in their Championship battle this season.

For now though, they will be focused on trying to win the trophy and take it home to their nations.