City could have three representatives in action – Phil Foden, Curtis Anderson and Joel Latibeaudiere – as England face Spain in India, with Eric Garcia also involved for the opposition.
The Young Lions will aim to follow in their elders’ footsteps, after the U20s won the trophy earlier this year – and Guardiola expressed his pride for his players’ performances.
“We are so happy for the players,” he told press. “It’s so good for English football.
“Big congratulations for the team. It is not just the U17s – it is also the U20s. For them to be in a final is fantastic.
“They are playing in a final with Spain, who have dominated European football in many categories.
“It is going to be a really good final. Spain are a great team. They have been working hard in recent years to develop players.
“It will be a hard game for England but they will be excited to try and win this type of competition for the first time.
“I expect it will be an equal final.”
Guardiola added experience in such a prestigious competition at a young age will help his players to progress.
“For their growth and development, it will be good,” he continued.
“It is a high level for their age – a big competition.
“Phil has been training with us, like Tosin Adarabioyo has been training with us. Joel has come sometimes to training sessions.
“Phil had the opportunity to stay here with us and play in the game against Wolves but we believe that when these guys have the opportunity to play in a World Cup, it is an amazing opportunity.
“Young players play when they deserve it. At the end of the day, it is up to them and their quality.
“It is up to us to help them to develop. Aged under-17 and training with our team is great.
“We have no doubts about their quality but we must be calm and take things step by step.
“The gap from their age group to the highest level is big. That’s something we’ll work out.
“It’s good for them to go to the U17 World Cup. As young people, we will help that to develop.
“The more English guys we can bring to the first-team, the better and it will help us.”
