England’s Young Lions Hope to Reverse Recent Horror Showings at European Under-21 Championships
The European Under-21 Championships are set to begin this week, and England will be hoping to reverse their recent poor showings. The Young Lions have failed to get out of the group stages in five of the last six tournaments, but their current squad leaves cause for optimism.
England has had talented Under-21 sides in the past, featuring players like Ravel Morrison and Wilfried Zaha, but they did not enjoy international success. The problem previously in the youth ranks was starlets being fast-tracked into the senior set up after outgrowing U21 football. Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham would have both been eligible for the 2023 Euros, but they are already mainstays under Gareth Southgate after a combined five appearances at U21 level between them.
However, Premier League stars from Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool will all be in Georgia and Romania this summer. The Young Lions are two-time winners of the U21 Euros but have not tasted glory since 1984. England originally impressed in the first six editions under former Chelsea manager David Sexton. Having reached the semi-finals in 1978 and 1980, England then lifted the trophy for the first time in 1982 after beating West Germany.
The Lions then defended their crown two years later with a convincing win over Spain where Mark Hateley finished top scorer. England did manage to record semi-final finishes over the next two tournaments before they failed to qualify for the next five editions. Their best finish since their 1984 triumph came under Stuart Pearce in 2009. But England – missing talkSPORT’s suspended Gabby Agbonlahor – were crushed 4-0 by a Mesut Ozil-inspired Germany in Malmo.
The European Under-21 Championship Winners
Spain is the joint record winners of the European U21 level with five titles. The list of winners is as follows:
1978 – Yugoslavia
1980 – USSR
1982 – England
1984 – England (2)
1986 – Spain
1988 – France
1990 – USSR (2)
1992 – Italy
1994 – Italy (2)
1996 – Italy (3)
1998 – Spain (2)
2000 – Italy (4)
2002 – Czechia
2004 – Italy (5)
2006 – Netherlands
2007 – Netherlands (2)
2009 – Germany
2011 – Spain (3)
2013 – Spain (4)
2015 – Sweden
2017 – Germany (2)
2019 – Spain (5)
2021 – Germany (3)
England U21s vs Czech Republic U21s: talkSPORT Coverage
England gets their Under-21 Group C campaign underway on Thursday, June 22. Kick-off at the Batumi Arena in Georgia is set for 5 pm UK time. talkSPORT will have live commentary from Joe Shennan and former England striker David Nugent. To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker, and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Conclusion
The European Under-21 Championships are a great opportunity for young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience. England has had a mixed record in the tournament, but their current squad leaves cause for optimism. With Premier League stars from Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the team, the Young Lions will be hoping to reverse their recent poor showings and make a strong showing at this year’s tournament.