England U21s face tough Czech challenge

Lee Carsley's England team know there's little margin for error in their U21 European Championship qualifying group. The Under-21s will take on Czech Republic, who top Group G having won all of their games so far.

The last round of games were disappointing for the U21s, who threw away a two-goal lead against to Slovenia to draw 2-2 before scraping past Andorra 1-0 following Rhian Brewster's dismissal. Brewster will miss tonight's important game, as will Tino Livramento who had to withdraw due to injury and Emile Smith Rowe who has instead been called up to the senior team. 

Carsley told the press "It's a game where they are top of the group and it's a real challenge but it's an exciting challenge."

"It's only our fourth game but we have to show people we are more than capable of winning these types of games."

England will need to produce a better performance than they've demonstrated so far in the group to prevent the Czech Republic from running away with the group.

Here's Lee Carsley's latest #YoungLions squad! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— England (@England) November 5, 2021

Fortunately, despite the absences England still have a strong squad. Crystal Palace's Conor Gallagher is having an excellent season, Cole Palmer is starting to make waves at Manchester City, and Oliver Skipp has become a regular starter at Tottenham Hotspur.

A win against the Czech Republic will move England up into second place in the group, but still 2 points behind the group leaders. England will hope to leapfrog in future to avoid having to endure a potentially difficult play-off game to make it to the 2023 U21 European Championships held in Romania and Georgia.