England get their European Under-21 Championship up and running this evening as they face the Czech Republic in Batumi. Lee Carsley’s side look to get off to a winning start in Group C, before attention turns to to clashes with Israel and defending champions Germany.
It has not been an ideal preparation for England, with a friendly defeat behind closed doors to Japan earlier this month. That came after they were beaten by Croatia at Craven Cottage in March, and it leaves the Young Lions a little short of confidence coming into their tournament opener.
Levi Colwill is set to start for England, with the Chelsea defender fresh off training with the senior squad, with Emile Smith Rowe expected to feature alongside Harvey Elliott in forward areas and Oliver Skipp likely to start in midfield. Follow Czech Republic vs England with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Live updates
FULL TIME! Czech Republic 0-2 England
A winning start in Group C for England!
GGGOOOOAAALLLL!!! Czech Republic 0-2 England U21s | Smith Rowe, 90+4
A TAP IN FOR THE ARSENAL MAN!
That’s the three points in the bag after Archer won the ball high up and the ball was on the plate for Smith Rowe.
90+3 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
A very hopeful topple by Karabec in the England box after he broke in behind Jones, collapsing to the ground under minimal contact and wiping out Colwill after losing the ball.
That’s a seventh booking of the game.
90 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
Four minutes of stoppage time for England to navigate before opening their Euros campaign with a win.
88 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
Lots of pressure from England without testing the goalkeeper, Smith Rowe trying to scamper in before being turned away.
The Young Lions get a break of the ball and Archer tees up Garner for a high and wide smash on the volley.
Final two subs as Gibbs-White and Aarons come off for Liverpool’s Elliott and West Ham defender Johnson.
Evening Standard reporter Dom Smith
England looking pretty comfortable now. Dominating possession and snuffing the danger out when the Czechs manage to nick the ball.
84 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
Ramsey is booked for holding up a free kick after fouling Danek. Pretty cut and dry, that one.
82 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
Final change for Czech Republic as captain Kaloc comes off for Valenta.
81 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
Gibbs White, not for the first time this half, breaks in down the right after good combination play with Smith Rowe.
England have to settle for a corner. Can they make it 2-0?
79 mins: Czech Republic 0-1 England U21s
Lee Carsley turns to his bench for the final ten minutes.
Smith Rowe, Skipp and Archer replace Gordon, Madueke and Gomes.
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