Ireland to face Israel in EURO U21 finals playoff

Republic of Ireland's Will Smallbone takes a free kick during the UEFA European U21 Championship 2023 Qualifying match at the Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. Niall Carson/PA Wire.

Ireland will face Israel in September’s playoff for a place at next year’s Euro U21 finals in Romania and Georgia.

Jim Crawford’s side secured a first-ever playoff by finishing second in their group behind Italy, beating second seeds Sweden home and away in the process.