Lee Carsley is back in his role as England Under-21 head coach, and his Young Lions squad are set to take on France tonight in what promises to be a cracking game. The beautiful game, lads!
Carsley, who was in charge of the England senior team on an interim basis last year, has returned to the youth set-up and named a squad that features plenty of the Premier League's best young talent. It's a team that's worth over £400million, according to Transfermarkt. Blimey, that's a lot of dosh!
The Young Lions' meeting with France is the first of two friendlies organised for this international break, with a clash against Portugal coming up next week. These youngsters are gonna be exciting to watch, and fans are gonna be able to do so for free. Can't argue with that, can ya?
France U21 vs England U21: How to watch for FREE
This international friendly will take place on Friday, March 21 at the Stade du Moustoir-Yves Allainmat in Lorient, France. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm, so make sure you've got your beers ready, lads!
Fans will be able to watch the action for FREE on the England YouTube channel. So, no excuses for missing out on this one, mate.
France U21 vs England U21: Team news
England's U21 squad is worth over £400million in total, and it features Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri, who received his first call-up to the Young Lions for his performances in a breakout season. The kid's got talent, no doubt about that!
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens has been among three withdrawals, alongside Birmingham City striker Jay Stansfield, and Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin – with Southampton defender Ronnie Edwards earning his maiden call-up instead. Tough luck for those lads, but that's football for ya.
Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis and Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite are among the headline options for Carsley to use. These lads have got what it takes to make a real impact on the game.
Adam Wharton, who went to Euro 2024 with the senior team, is back in the U21 set-up, joining Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Liverpool's Harvey Elliott. Jude Bellingham's brother Jobe, Archie Gray, Liam Delap and James McAtee are also among the incredible amount of talent on show. It's gonna be a cracking game, no doubt about that!
France U21 vs England U21: What has been said?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Nwaneri will thrive in his England U21 debut, working under the Spaniard's ex-Everton teammate Carsley. Arteta said: "It's a big step. He's 17 years old and he's playing with the under-21s with all the names that they have in the team. I spoke to Lee this morning and I'm glad that he's his coach because I've known him very well since we played together for many years. It's a great pathway and development for him and a great experience for him. Lee just said that he was going to select him and I know him. He's a phenomenal coach and person – unique. So I know he's going to look after him and push him in the right way. He's going to hear a different coach with different ideas and this is always so good for a young player."
Well, there you have it, folks. This game is gonna be a belter, and I can't bloody wait! FOOTBALL IS LIFE, REMEMBER THAT, LADS!
