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After seeing their U20 counterparts win the FIFA U20 World Cup earlier this month, England U21s are hoping to win the UEFA equivalent, but face tough competition from the likes of Spain and Portugal.
England face hosts Poland in their final group stage match at the UEFA U21 Championships, knowing that a win will take them to the next round. The English youngsters came from behind to win against Slovakia, a game which put them on 4 points.
Goals from Nathan Redmond and Alfie Mawson ensured they head into the clash, with the knowledge that a win or draw will take them to the semifinals. We take a look at the potential England team against the hosts.
Goalkeeper :New Everton man, Jordan Pickford has been impressive in this summer's tournament, and will be a key component of the main Three Lions team in the nearest future. Barring any major last minute issues, he should feature against the hosts. At £30m, he is the third most expensive shot stopper of all time after switching from Sunderland.
Defence :The England defence is composed of Premier League players who have relative experience. The left back, Ben Chilwell is highly rated and is wanted by a host of the country's top teams and should slot in at the left side of defence. In the heart of the defence, Alfie Mawson and Callum Chambers are looking like a sturdy partnership, with the ball playing abilities of Chambers serenaded by the brawn of Mawson. On the right hand side of defence, Mason Holgate has impressed all year at Everton, and is a very dependable defender.
Midfield:In James Ward-Prowse and Nathaniel Chalobah, England have a pivot that has Premier League experience and have played so many matches between them. Both players are seasoned campaigners at U21 level, and are expected to play against Poland. Further up, Nathan Redmond should play from the left, while Lewis Baker is expected to play behind the striker.
The midfielder played on loan at Vitesse last term, and has been touted as a potential Premier League player in the future, earning comparisons with Frank Lampard as being a goal scoring midfielder. John Swift was virtually anonymous in the last match, and may be sacrificed for Demarai Gray, who has impressed from a substitute role so far.
Attack:Tammy Abraham hasn't lit up this tournament the way he ignited The Championship, as the Blues striker scored 26 goals for Bristol City, and is rumored to be close to a move to Swansea. He should get the nod for the clash against their Polish counterparts.
Probable lineup: Pickford, Chilwell, Mawson, Chambers, Holgate, Chalobah, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Baker, Gray, Abraham.
Written by Ketan Patel
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