England Under-21s Extend Unbeaten Run in European Qualifiers

England Under-21s Extend Unbeaten Run in European Qualifiers

England Under-21s Extend Unbeaten Run in European Qualifiers

England Under-21s continued their unbeaten streak in the defense of their European title with a commanding victory in Slovakia, securing the top position in their qualifying group.

Under the guidance of Lee Carsley, the team has won all five matches in Group D, leading second-placed Slovakia by two points, having played one game fewer.

Having clinched the European Under-21 Championship titles in 2023 and 2025, England is well-positioned to qualify for the 2027 finals in Albania and Serbia, with five qualifying matches remaining.

Divin Mubama, currently on loan at Stoke City from Manchester City, opened the scoring with a close-range header in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed play by Chelsea's Tyrique George, who kept the ball in play to create the opportunity.

The Young Lions almost doubled their lead just a minute into the second half when Sheffield United's Sydie Peck took a shot from the edge of the area. Slovakia goalkeeper Adam Hrdina managed to fumble the ball against the post and then recovered it just before it crossed the goal line.

However, the visitors maintained control and extended their lead to 2-0 in the 60th minute. Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri skillfully lifted the ball over Hrdina after receiving a precise through-ball from Peck.

Fulham forward Josh King added a third goal shortly after his introduction, slotting the ball into the net following a well-coordinated effort between Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Manchester City's Rico Lewis.

England capped off their performance with a fourth goal in the 87th minute as Mubama netted his second of the evening, striking into the bottom corner to preserve the team's perfect qualifying record.

Carsley’s squad will next compete on March 27 against Andorra away, followed by a home match against Moldova four days later.

The nine group winners, along with the runners-up with the best records, will automatically qualify for the tournament, while the remaining eight second-placed teams will enter playoffs to determine the final four spots.

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