After 'career high' England win, what awaits Ireland in Friday's U21 draw? 

Ireland will discover in Friday’s 10am draw their opponents for a berth in next year’s Euro finals.

Tommy Lonergan celebrates after his two goals helped Ireland to a 3-1 win over England in the UEFA Under 21 European Qualifier at Turner's Cross Photo: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

Ireland’s U21 hero Tommy Lonergan admits the buzz of scoring to beat England is the highlight of his career.

Jim Crawford’s were aware that only victory in Tuesday’s final group game over the team that had already topped the group would suffice to seal a Euro playoff spot.

Ireland will discover in Friday’s 10am draw their opponents for a berth in next year’s finals.

There’s no seeding for the draw which will see Ireland paired with one of Greece, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Turkey, Netherlands or Czechia.

The dates are set for November 13 and 17, with the home leg likely to be again at Turner’s Cross in Cork.

Waterford striker Lonergan stresses there’s nothing to fear among the potential opponents after their fourth successive win came against Lee Carsley’s gilded team valued at €400m.

Their come-from-behind 3-1 win, sealed by Lonergan’s brace either side of a Conor McManus finish, has the Irish on a high heading into the crunch period.

“I think that’s number one,” said the 22-year-old, whose Blues side visit Bohemians in Friday’s FAI Cup semi-final.

“I feel that scoring for your country in such a pivotal game against obviously the reigning Euro champions is just perfect.

“There’s rivalry between England and Ireland. They had such good players on the wings, like Tyrique George, and Ethan Nwanari in midfield, so for us to beat that team in front of a crowd cheering us is the cherry on top.

“I was saying before the camp that I hadn’t scored in the campaign but now have four. It all worked out for me and the team.

“I’m always thinking positively as if I’m going to score. I got two chances and scored with both of them.” 

Ireland have never reached a major U21 tournament, coming closest in 2022 when a team that featured Evan Ferguson and Finn Azaz were edged out by Israel in the playoff on penalties.

Lonergan, who has brushed off competition from the likes of Michael Noonan to be Ireland’s lead striker, was aware that failure to deliver a first-ever U21 win over England would spell the end of a generation.

“It could have been our last time together but we wanted to keep this going for as long as possible,” he explained.

“Our captain, Seán Grehan, mentioned beforehand that a few of the older lads, like me and Jamie Mullins, have been playing together since we were 10 years old.

"We had rivalries between Cherry Orchard and St. Kevin’s. I can’t wait to link up with them again next month.

“I’ll watch the draw on Friday afternoon before our Cup semi to see who we get. We won’t be scared of any team because we’ll relish it.

“A lot of our team, Jacob Devaney and Trent (Koné-Doherty), are young enough to be also eligible for the next campaign.

“They’re unbelievable, an absolute credit to themselves. They’re so mature and such unbelievable players.

“They’re all so humble and want to work hard for the team. We’re in a really good place now. The confidence will be very high in our next few games.”

The next U21 Euro finals will be co-hosted by Serbia and Albania from June 6 to July 3, 2027.

Already qualified for final tournament: Albania (co-hosts), Belgium, Croatia, England (holders), France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland (best runners-up), Portugal, Serbia (co-hosts), Spain 

Playoffs: Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Türkiye.