Gareth Southgate calls for more ahead of Italy showdown

England U21s head coach Gareth Southgate has told his players they need to improve if they are to progress to the European Championship semi-finals and beyond.

This is the Young Lions’ fifth successive appearance at the finals, but they have exited the previous two editions at the group-stage juncture.

Things have gone better this time around, though, and victory against Sweden last time out — their first finals win in six years — means progress to the last-four is assured should they overcome Italy today.

The Azzurrini sit bottom of Group B but Southgate is not being lulled into a false sense of security, highlighting the need for improvement at the Ander Stadium.

“You can see in both groups that nobody has managed to win two matches,” the U21s boss said on the eve of the game. That’s where we’re at.

“We’re at the last-eight of major competition and there shouldn’t be a lot between the teams. You’ve got to earn everything that you get.

“How do we get better? Because we will have to be better and that’s what we’ve discussed over the last 24 hours or so.”

Southgate is extremely confident that England have more gears to come and believes a place in the June 30 finale in Prague is entirely feasible.

“We’re always looking for perfection, always looking to improve, but we recognise this is going to be an Italian team we respect,” he said.

“They have some individually talented players, they’ll have a collective spirit which Italian teams always have.

“They’re a big footballing nation so they’re not to come and roll over. We’re well aware of that, but we have to believe in ourselves and our ability.”

Italy are the only nation in the Czech Republic without a senior international in their ranks, whereas England can welcome back one of their five today.

John Stones missed the opening two matches with suspected concussion, but is available again after passing the relevant protocols relating to head injuries.

One definite change will come further up the field after Alex Pritchard suffered ankle ligament damage against Sweden.

Jesse Lingard, scorer of Sunday’s vital goal against Sweden, will likely take his place.

In yesterday’s action, Germany drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic while Denmark beat Serbia 2-0.