Lee Carsley suffers first loss with England U21 after thrilling match
- Lee Carsley returned to coach England's Under-21 team after a brief stint with the senior squad.
- The match against France was an action-packed thriller resulting in an eight-goal finish.
- Despite the loss, the team showed promise with their attacking football as they look forward to the European Championship.
In March 2025, Lee Carsley resumed his position as head coach of England's Under-21 football team after completing a six-match interim role with the senior team. His return was marked by a friendly match against the French Under-21 squad. This highly anticipated encounter took place shortly before the start of the European Under-21 Championship, set to occur in Slovakia from June 11 to June 28, 2025. It would be England's title defense, raising expectations for Carsley’s revamped squad. Carsley’s tactical choices included a three-man defense and deploying players in unorthodox positions to maximize their attacking potential. During this match, England performed impressively offensively, with notable performances from James McAtee, Harvey Elliott, Liam Delap, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson. Unfortunately, their efforts were overshadowed by France’s superior defensive organization and fluid play. The match concluded in an intense eight-goal thriller where England fell short against their French opponents, marking the first loss in 11 matches for the Under-21 team under Carsley’s stewardship. Despite positive displays from some players, the red card issued to Omari Hutchinson proved detrimental to England’s chances, allowing France to capitalize on the extra man and dominate possession. As Carsley prepares for the upcoming European Championship, he aims to refine his squad and strategies. The team's goal is not only to compete but to defend their title from the previous championship. As they gear up, observers eagerly anticipate how this young team will develop under Carsley's guidance and whether they can reclaim the championship.