The wait is over, tonight, England’s Under-21s, led by head coach Lee Carsley, begin their Euro U21 campaign against the host nation at 8pm local time. Coming into the tournament as defending champions after a historic 2023 triumph in which they lifted the trophy without conceding a single goal in six matches, expectations are understandably high for the Young Lions. Once again, England field an exciting and richly talented squad, composed entirely of players born after 1 January 2002.
Carsley’s initial squad has already been forced to navigate a couple of major setbacks. Jobe Bellingham was ruled out due to the timing of his move to Borussia Dortmund, while the highly-rated Liam Delap is also unavailable, the striker will instead be representing his new club, Chelsea, at the FIFA Club World Cup, which runs concurrently with the Euros. Despite these absences, England still boast a formidable group, featuring a strong core of players with significant top-flight and international experience.
The likes of Tino Livramento, Elliot Anderson, Jack Hinshelwood, James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Archie Gray — all of whom have impressed at senior level this season are expected to play leading roles, with most of them starting tonight’s opener.
England Starting XI vs Czech Republic:
- James Beadle (Brighton and Hove Albion)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle Utd)
- Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse)
- Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
- Archie Gray (Tottenham)
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
- Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
- Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
- Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town)
- Jonathan Rowe (Marseille)
- James McAtee (Manchester City)
