England are in quarter-final action at the European Under-21 Championship in Kutaisi this evening. It’s been a superb tournament for the Young Lions so far, topping Group C without conceding a single goal and cruising through to the knockout stages after three consecutive 2-0 wins over the Czech Republic, Israel and defending champions Germany respectively.
Now Lee Carsley’s free-flowing side have their sights firmly set on a first appearance in the last four of this competition since 2017, and possibly even a first title since their back-to-back triumphs in 1982 and 1984. But first they must plot a route past Portugal, runners-up two years ago who beat England in Slovenia in 2021 as they crashed out in the groups again.
But Rui Jorge’s team are yet to impress in this edition, squeezing through Group A behind co-hosts Georgia, to whom they lost, after drawing with the Netherlands and narrowly edging out Belgium. Israel await tonight’s winners in a semi-final showdown on Wednesday after their dramatic penalty shootout win over Georgia on Saturday. Follow England vs Portugal live at the U21 Euros below!
Live updates
14 mins: This is much better from Portugal, who suddenly look the more threatening side.
Garner makes a hash of an attempted clearance after Neves’ cross is flicked-on towards Neto, whose low drive is pushed wide by James Trafford.
Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares then fires wide from distance.
Garner up against Neto will be a concern for Lee Carsley already.
12 mins: England force a first corner of the evening but it’s turned away comfortably by Samu Costa.
At the other end, Madueke concedes a corner after Garner is outdone by Pedro Neto.
England clear but this is a good spell for Portugal now after a very passive opening.
England 0-0 Portugal
9 mins: It’s still all England as we tick towards the 10-minute mark, but no further openings to speak of just yet.
Ramsey is dispossessed and Portugal attempt to launch a counter-attack, but Joao Neves’ lofted ball out to the left flank is overhit and Wolves’ Pedro Neto can’t take it down.
Molineux team-mate Fabio Silva is also starting for Portugal this evening.
England 0-0 Portugal
7 mins: To say England are dominating possession so far would be a major understatement.
Portugal have barely had a kick as the Young Lions pass and move, switching positions and patiently probing for another opening.
Portugal are being pressed hard on the few occasions they do get hold of the ball, also giving it away very carelessly a couple of times already.
England 0-0 Portugal
4 mins: A very positive start again from England, who have been firmly on the front foot all tournament so far.
It’s great link-up play with Gibbs-White and Madueke.
The ball is fed into Gordon, who gets it laid off to Curtis Jones for a fierce strike that flies just wide of Celton Biai’s left-hand post.
Portugal defender Ze Carlos was also left in a heap a few minutes ago after a big aerial tussle with Gordon.
He’s fine to continue, however.
England 0-0 Portugal
2 mins: England, by the way, have gone back to Max Aarons at left-back and Everton midfielder James Garner in the right-back spot.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon are attacking through the middle, with Jacob Ramsey off the left and Noni Madueke right. Angel Gomes seems to be floating across the pitch.
It’s all very fluid though, with players interchanging seamlessly in attack when needed.
KICK-OFF
We are underway in Kutaisi!
Can England reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2017?
Kick-off approaching
15 minutes until kick-off in Kutaisi, where it remains sunny and 27 degrees at almost eight o’clock in the evening.
Portugal unchanged from Belgium win
Portugal are unchanged from the nervy late 2-1 win over Belgium that secured their passage through to the quarter-finals, sealed via an 89th-minute Tiago Dantas penalty in Tbilisi on Tuesday evening.
Talented winger Diego Moreira, who has just joined Chelsea’s ranks from Benfica, is on the bench.
Portugal lineup
Starting XI: Biai, Carlos, Amaro, Penetra, Tavares, Costa, Dantas, Conceicao, Neves, Silva, Neto
