England U21 squad, manager as 2023 Young Lions chase first Euro title since 1984
England can break a 39-year hoodoo on July 8 as they take on Spain in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final in Georgia.
Lee Carsley's team have stormed to the final with five wins from five games and no goals conceded, including victories over Germany, Portugal and Israel.
The challenge of six-time winners Spain will be a huge test for Carsley and his players, but they have a squad with plenty of Premier League experience within it.
The prospect of ending England's long wait for a title at European U21 level will be a major motivation for the Young Lions with the majority of the squad looking for a springboard into the 2023/24 domestic season.
UEFA Euro 2023 U21 championship fixtures, tables, schedule, and results
The man in charge of the England Under-21 side and bidding to lead them to glory is Lee Carsley.
Carsley's playing career included over 200 Premier League appearances, primarily at the heart of Everton's midfield from 2002 to 2008 either side of spells at Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City and Birmingham City in the top flight. He also won 40 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland.
After retirement, Carsley turned his focus to coaching, with two caretaker spells in charge at Coventry before taking up a role in Brentford's youth set-up in 2014.
He accepted another caretaker spot at the Bees alongside a combined position as an England U19 coach, as his status in youth football continued to rise.
His impressive role at domestic and international level persuaded Manchester City to bring him on board for a period in 2016/17 before he left for the England U20 job in 2020.
That led to a promotion to U21 boss in July 2021 and his first tournament has seen a run to the final for the Young Lions.
Carsley's
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