Lee Carsley is once again demonstrating his prowess in youth football management, leading England's U21 squad to another major tournament final. Carsley's England U21 side has reached the UEFA U21 EURO final in Bratislava on June 28, 2025, where they will face Germany. This marks their second successive final, having won the title in 2023.
Carsley's journey with the U21s has been marked by consistent success and a clear vision for developing young talent. Appointed head coach on July 27, 2021, he quickly established himself as a capable leader, culminating in the European Under-21 Championship victory in 2023, the first title for England in the competition since 1984. His contributions have been recognized with a contract extension until 2027, allowing him to continue shaping the future of English football.
The current U21 EURO campaign has seen England navigate a challenging path to the final. They emerged as winners of Qualifying Group F with an impressive record of eight wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring 41 goals while conceding only six. Harvey Elliott was the top scorer in qualifying with seven goals, underscoring his importance to the team. In the semi-final against the Netherlands, England secured a 2-1 victory, with Elliott once again playing a pivotal role by scoring both goals. Carsley praised Elliott, acknowledging him as the best player on the pitch.
Carsley has emphasized the importance of preparing his team for the demanding conditions in Slovakia, where the tournament is being held. The semi-final saw two cooling breaks in each half due to the sweltering heat. He also spoke about balancing the players' external commitments with the need to remain focused on their goal of retaining the title.
The final against Germany promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are vying for their fourth U21 EURO title. England has won ten of their last 12 U21 EURO finals matches and is aiming to become the first team since Spain in 2011 and 2013 to win consecutive tournaments.
Beyond the immediate goal of winning the U21 EURO, Carsley's work is also about nurturing players who can progress to the senior national team. He previously served in various coaching roles within the FA, including with the U19 and U20 teams, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the youth development system.
