England Fans Disappointed as Under-21 Euros Go Unbroadcasted
Football fans across the UK will be left disappointed as broadcasters have failed to pick up the TV rights for the Under-21 European Championships this summer. The tournament, which is being hosted in Georgia, begins tomorrow, and England fans will be unable to watch their team compete in the games. The Young Lions’ squad features a host of Premier League stars, including Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, Tottenham’s Oliver Skipp, Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot, Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, and Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.
No Broadcasters Picked Up the TV Rights
Despite Sky Sports showing the 2021 tournament, no broadcasters have picked up the TV rights for this year’s event. The BBC aired recent Under-21 matches on the iPlayer and Red Button, but they and others have all passed up on the opportunity to buy the action. The Football Association (FA) is reportedly upset by the lack of interest in the games. It is believed that TV funds are being saved for the Women’s World Cup this summer.
Games Will Be Available on the UEFA Website
While fans will be unable to watch the games on TV, they can still catch the action on the UEFA website. The website will have live streams of all the games, so fans can still support their team from afar. However, this may not be enough for some fans who were hoping to watch the games on their TV screens.
England’s Group Stage Matches
England’s first game in the tournament is against the Czech Republic on Thursday. They will then play Israel and Germany in the group stages. The team is captained by Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, and manager Lee Carsley has a talented squad at his disposal.
Premier League Stars in England’s Squad
The Young Lions’ squad features a host of Premier League stars who have been impressive for their clubs this season. Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been a standout performer for the Blues’ Under-23s, while Tottenham’s Oliver Skipp has been a regular in the Spurs’ first team. Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot have both made appearances for the Reds this season, and Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey has been a key player for the Villans. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe are also available for selection.
Conclusion
While it is disappointing that fans will be unable to watch the Under-21 European Championships on TV, they can still catch the action on the UEFA website. England has a talented squad at their disposal, and fans will be hoping that they can go all the way in the tournament. The lack of interest from broadcasters is concerning, but it is believed that TV funds are being saved for the Women’s World Cup this summer. Regardless, fans will still be able to support their team from afar and cheer them on to victory.