The Young Lions’ defence of the U21 Euros begins tonight as Lee Carsley’s side faces Czechia. Their historic victory against Spain in the previous tournament’s final ended 39 years of underachievement at this stage. James Trafford’s last-minute penalty save in Batumi, Georgia, was the pivotal moment of the match, and the win highlighted many members of the squad who are now so recognisable today.
The squad will be eager to replicate the success of their predecessors. If the England side, who have lost only twice in 15 games since becoming champions, maintain the high standards they have set in recent years, progression through Group B should be straightforward.
Group Stage
England are placed in Group B alongside Germany, Czechia, and Slovenia. Their matches are scheduled as follows:
June 12: England vs Czechia at MOL Aréna, Dunajska Streda, Slovakia
June 15: England vs Slovenia at Stadion pod Zoborom, Nitra, Slovakia
June 18: England vs Germany at Stadion pod Zoborom, Nitra, Slovakia
The Squad
Harvey Elliott and Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell are the only two players from that squad included in this year’s line-up. Thus, Lee Carsley will need to motivate a whole new squad of players. Unfortunately, the Club World Cup has also presented a unique challenge for Lee Carsley and his selection team, as players like Liam Delap and Jobe Bellingham have chosen to compete for their clubs this summer rather than join their international teammates in Slovakia.
Jamie Gittens and Rico Lewis are among others who would likely have been selected, but instead will focus on club football in the US. Other notable absences include Adam Wharton and Jaden Philogene, who are recovering from injuries and will not be available.
Despite the key absences, the England squad hardly lacks talent. Even without those key players, BBC Sport reported that England’s 23-man squad in Slovakia has a total worth of around £428.2m. Jay Stansfield, Ethan Nwaneri, Omari Hutchinson, Elliot Anderson, and Archie Gray are notable contributors to that figure. Liverpool’s Premier League winners Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott are both in the squad, along with Manchester City’s James McAtee and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.
Manchester City player James McAtee was rewarded with the captaincy of the side after opting to play in the U21 Euros instead of participating in the Club World Cup. It is rumoured that McAtee and City are likely to part ways this summer, so the midfielder may hope that a strong showing in this tournament will enhance his appeal in the transfer market.
The England Under-21 side of 2023 was exceptional, winning six games and not conceding any goals in the entire tournament. The class of 2023 has largely thrived since lifting the trophy. Six players from the Euro 2023 winners’ group were selected in the senior squad by Tuchel for this month’s matches: Levi Colwill, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Curtis Jones, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke.
Carsley’s Take
Lee Carsley spoke to BBC Sport in March, when asked to compare the two sides, he said, “It’s difficult to compare [2023 and 2025] at the minute, we are looking at the last squad, knowing what they did. To win six games and not concede any goals [in the entire tournament], I think that will be very hard to recreate. But it’s a goal and it’s a target.”
“That’s the challenge we have put down for these players – we want them to be better than the last group, so hopefully they can be.”
A strong positive for Carsley’s team is that 6 of his players have pedigree when it comes to winning international tournaments in Slovakia. The England Under-19s won their age-group title in 2022. The previous success in age-group football from these players, as well as those remaining from the previous U21 victory, will encourage success in the current tournament.
Victory at this stage has been shown previously to be a great marker for future success, and the current crop of players will be hoping their careers will benefit similarly. However, the unique challenges of the Club World Cup and the strength of other nations in the tournament may make their task more challenging than it was in the last tournament. It’s yet to be seen if this squad will succeed in their aims, but a win against Czechia tonight will give the squad a big boost in their pursuit of the crown.
This competition is a great showcase of talent. I’m really excited to watch!