BRATISLAVA (UEFA / SFZ) - Six matches. Six wins. Zero goals conceded. England's U21 squad delivered a flawless campaign in 2023, ending a 39-year wait and bringing the European title back to the birthplace of football. It was a triumph that eluded even two generations of England’s most celebrated talents.
Led by Cole Palmer and Player of the Tournament Anthony Gordon, the Young Lions dominated the previous EURO. Their only scare came in the dying moments of the final against Spain. At 1–0, a stoppage-time penalty gave Spain the chance to equalize and force extra time.
Abel Ruiz stepped up in the 98th minute—but goalkeeper James Trafford not only saved the penalty but also parried the rebound from Aimar Oroz and watched Sergio Camello’s third attempt sail over the crossbar.
“I told everyone that morning I’d save a penalty. When the moment came, I just knew I would. Honestly, it was pretty easy,” Trafford said after the final. “Winning the title was the goal, and we achieved it.”
England’s current crop of U21 stars looks set to follow in those winning footsteps. The team scored 41 goals in qualification—more than any other nation. Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, the top scorer, is among the leading candidates to wear the captain’s armband.
All eyes will also be on 18-year-old Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri, one of the most exciting young players in Europe. One notable absence is Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who will be on duty at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
England will kick off their title defense in Dunajská Streda, facing Czechia—a side they defeated at the last tournament. The Czechs earned their place via the playoffs and are keen to make a statement with an attacking style of play.
“If we didn’t have ambitions, there would be no point in going to EURO,” said Czech captain Václav Sejk. Alongside striker Daniel Fila, Sejk is expected to lead the charge under head coach Jan Suchopárek.
Much will depend on goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček, who has claimed the No. 1 spot at Sporting Braga. “If Czechia succeed, it will be largely thanks to his hands. He has all the tools to shine at this tournament,” wrote Petr Fantyš for Isport.cz.
Just like Slovakia, Czechia face a tough challenge, drawn into a group with two tournament giants. After their opener against England, they will face Germany—finalists in 2017, 2019, and 2021, though they unexpectedly finished near the bottom in 2023.
Germany’s attack looks sharp again. Nick Woltemade scored in each of his last four matches for Stuttgart, including a DFB-Pokal clash with Bielefeld. Brajan Gruda, recently completing his first season with Brighton in the Premier League, holds the squad’s highest market value according to Transfermarkt.
Group B, based in Dunajská Streda and Nitra’s Štadión pod Zoborom, also features Slovenia. Since gaining independence, Slovenia has appeared at the U21 EURO only once—in 2021, when they earned a single point in a group with Czechia, Italy, and Spain.
In a recent closed-door friendly, Slovenia drew 2–2 with Slovakia. Their squad includes Adrian Zeljkovič of Spartak Trnava, though key player Marcel Ratnik will miss the tournament due to Club World Cup commitments.
