England begin their defence of the u-21 European Championship this evening against Czechia.
Lee Carsley is without some key names at the tournament, with Liam Delap and Jobe Bellingham each withdrawing after high-profile transfers to Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Each will compete instead at this summer’s Club World Cup for their club sides.
Our #YoungLions‘ defence of the #U21EURO begins tonight! 🤩
Lee Carsley’s side take on Czechia in their first Group B fixture at 8pm (UK) live on @Channel4. pic.twitter.com/bTsOZbSmXH
— England (@England) June 12, 2025
England are bidding to become the first nation since Spain in 2011 and 2013 to retain the trophy. Their first assignment is a Czechia side who secured qualification through the play-offs. Slovenia and Germany are the other sides in Group B.
England u-21 XI vs Czechia u-21 – Predicted lineup and team news
England team news
Bellingham’s withdrawal opens up an opportunity in midfield and Carsley has plenty of options to choose from. Elliot Anderson, Archie Gray, Hayden Hackney and Jack Hinshelwood will all be vying for a place in the engine room.
Further forward, Delap’s absence leaves England light of recognised forwards. Jay Stansfield is in the squad after scoring 19 league goals in Birmingham’s promotion from League One last season and will hope to get the nod.
Ethan Nwaneri offers an alternative as a false nine.
England Under-21s predicted lineup
England predicted XI: Beadle; Gray, Quansah, Cresswell, Livramento; Anderson, Hackney, Elliott; McAtee, Nwaneri, Hutchinson.
When is Czechia u-21 vs England u-21?
Czechia take on England in the u-21 European Championship on Thursday 12th June 2025. Kick-off in Slovakia is 8pm BST.
What TV channel is Czechia u-21 vs England u-21?
In the UK, the game will be shown live on Channel 4.
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See more – Six players to watch at the under-21 European Championship