England Under-21s have yet to really impress in Slovakia and go into tonight’s quarter-final tie with Spain Under-21s in Trnava as underdogs.
Lee Carsley’s men advanced from Group B thanks to a 3-1 win over Czechia, a dour 0-0 draw with Slovenia and a 2-1 defeat to Germany.
Carsley has yet to decide on a formation that appears to suit the Young Lions with the lack of a quality number nine meaning he has had to utilise the likes of Jonathan Rowe and Omari Hutchinson in unfamiliar positions.
Spain appear more settled and cruised through Group A, finishing top after wins against Slovakia, Romania and a draw with Italy.
They are favourites but Carsley remains confident England can spring surprise.
“I don’t feel like an underdog,” he said. “If we can perform and we can play to our ability, we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.
“I feel we’ve still got a lot more to come from the group and we’ve got a great game against Spain to look forward to. The longer we can stay in the tournament, the stronger the team will become. There’s a great spirit amongst them and I just want them to get what they deserve.”
Spain Team News
Spain boss Santi Denia reverted to the bulk of the team that beat Romania on matchday 2.
Leeds forward Mateo Joseph leads the line.
Spain Under-21s: Iturbe; Pubill, Tarrega, Mosquera, Bueno; Guerra, Turrientes; Juanlu, Moleiro, Lopez; Joseph
🥷 ¡Nuestros once guerreros!
🇪🇸 🆚 🏴
🕘 21:00
📺 @La1_tve#U21EURO | #NuestraBase pic.twitter.com/XrcdHisiO0— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 21, 2025
England Team News
Carsley sprung a surprise by naming Birmingham City striker Adam Stansfield in the starting XI.
Stansfield will play in a traditional number nine role ahead of Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Hutchinson.
Tino Livramento returns at left-back with Tyler Morton also included.
Rowe, Ethan Nwaneri and Elliot Anderson miss out.
England Under-21s: Beadle; Hinshelwood, Quansah, Cresswell, Livramento; Scott, Morton; Elliott, McAtee, Hutchinson; Stansfield
Your #YoungLions to take on Spain in tonight’s #U21EURO quarter-final! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/0mfD5clD5S
— England (@England) June 21, 2025
