England U21s secure Euro 2027 qualification ahead of Ireland clash at sold out Turner's Cross

England under-21s booked their spot at next summer’s European Championship ahead of their visit to a sold out Turner’s Cross to face the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday despite being held to a goalless draw by Slovakia. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

England under-21s booked their spot at next summer’s European Championship ahead of their visit to a sold out Turner’s Cross to face the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday despite being held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in Stoke.

The Young Lions sat six points ahead of Slovakia before their meeting, with two games remaining, which meant Lee Carsley’s side only needed a draw to send them through to Euro 2027.

Carsley said his side would go for the win but were frustrated by a Slovakia team that sat with a low block.

England came closest through Will Lankshear, who nodded wide a couple of headers in the first period, but they seemed content to take a point and qualify for a tournament they are looking to win for a third successive time.

Archie Gray captained the side in the absence of Jobe Bellingham, who was sent back to Borussia Dortmund, while Lankshear came in for his first start after scoring in the 4-2 win over Kazakhstan last week.

England were the only side looking for an opener. Sydie Peck picked out the in-form Lankshear who guided a header wide and Ethan Nwaneri also came close.

Along came another chance for Lankshear, this time assisted by the bright Tyrique George, but the Middlesbrough striker narrowly nodded wide of the far post.

Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong scored last Friday night and he tested the palms of Adam Hrdina from range to make his first save.

Slovakia needed a goal to keep their faint chances of automatic qualification open, and started the second period with a bit more intensity than the first. Hugo Pavek had a crack from long range which James Beadle needed to be alert to.

Samuel Amo-Ameyaw looked menacing and was particularly causing problems for Slovakia full-back Filip Mielke. He fashioned himself an opportunity early in the second half by cutting inside but aimed over the crossbar.

England continued to look for a goal that would break the deadlock. Gray tried his luck from range to see if he could mark the occasion with a goal but Slovakia’s defence stood strong.

Amario Cozier-Duberry replaced George but right-back Pavek’s evening did not get any easier, this time the Middlesbrough winger cut inside and flashed in a cross for Peck who could not guide home the opener as both sides settled for a point.