England must overcome France to progress from a demanding group if they are to finally be crowned Under-21 European Champions.
The draw for Euro 2019, which will be staged in Italy and San Marino next June, took place in Bologna on Friday night.
Aside from France, who have one of the best Under-21 teams in Europe, England must also see off Romania and Croatia to progress from Group C.
England's first assignment is against the French on June 18 and if they are to do better than their last attempt in Poland two years ago - Aidy Boothroyd's squad lost on penalties in the semi-final to eventual champions Germany - the head coach knows a flying start is vital.
'I'm really pleased we play France first,' said Boothroyd. 'It means we can get straight down to it. They will think they can win and so will we.
'It should be a cracking game and it's one we can win. People say France will be our main rivals but Croatia and Romania are no mugs.
'We want to go two steps better this time by getting to the Final and winning it. We've still got those memories of the defeat to Germany on penalties and we'll be looking to erase those this time. It will not be easy. We have worked hard for two years and want something to show for it.'
Boothroyd intends to visit a number of Premier League managers in the coming weeks to iron out any potential issues around squad selection.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, however, does not expect either Joe Gomez or Trent Alexander-Arnold - both of whom are still eligible - to be selected.
It is likely that Boothroyd will also not be able to select Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, as he is pencilled in for Nations League finals with the senior team.
monsterxd22
1
His u21 national team is better than the main national team
that's true ...
Parazitu20
1
Romania has a very good team and will surprise people who haven’t been paying attention. That said, very tough group, I see a surprise there.
His u21 national team is better than the main national team
Nichola
0
Don't know why Barkley was taken off? Are you serious... he just played a suicide ball just before being taken off, looked tired and was on a yellow. Alli came on and England were so positive as a result.
wmj21
0
Dump the posing , pointing , Stones. He's a liability. Gave the ball away in dangerous areas 2 or 3 times, and got turned inside out for Croatia's goal. He'll cost us, he should climb back into his bunny suit. !!!!!
Zackvsco
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Well done to England, Have a lovely day everyone
Kroos0808
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Dump the posing , pointing , Stones. He's a liability. Gave the ball away in dangerous areas 2 or 3 times, and got turned inside out for Croatia's goal. He'll cost us, he should climb back into his bunny suit. !!!!!
educatea
0
Dude, you can look up the Laws of the Game yourself. They are not a secret.
building
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Everyone but the English are allowed to break the rules, have you not learned this yet?
literary
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Croatian's whining both in victory and defeat is something impressive. From where have you drawn the conclusion that I'm whining? I literally just posted a fact. Now whether that mistake is big enough or not is up to you and others to decide, I didn't suggest that the english are cheats.
badly
0
It doesn't look like anything to me!
zusammae
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Croatia should have then kicked off whilst we were all celebrating, that's what real underdogs do to overcome adversity. You have been banned from /r/soccer Sad day for the lad. Mods will have his head for that one.
sinecurea
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You don't have to take my word for it, it's freely available in the laws of the game published by FIFA. Link is here Procedure At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must: • face the field of play • have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline • throw the ball with both hands from behind and over the head from the point where it left the field of play Gomez's heels were touching the touchline, therefore it was legal. Simple.
Lisajust
0
France will win this uero
surrounded
1
Group winners: A: Spain B: Denmark C: France
lonxe
0
Group A: Spain, Italy Group B: Serbia, Germany Group C: England, Romania
Lanpandra
0
It's like a new rivalry brewing and I kinda enjoy it tbh
Cristiankish
0
Germany are not as good as they were in the past iterations, though they have an easy group so have a good shot of winning it anyway. But I think Serbia also has a very good chance. Romania also not to be underestimated, they got the better of Portugal Bosnia Wales Switzerland
Luckubos
0
Germany for the WIN
Kristinstucki
0
Romania has a very good team and will surprise people who haven’t been paying attention. That said, very tough group, I see a surprise there.
mountains
0
England are about to send an attack of Sancho, Foden, Reiss Nelson, Gray, Sessegnon, Lookman to the Euros. Imagine thinking they won't win it lol
swagchicken
1
Tu peux le faire France