England 0-0 Slovakia: U21s book their spot at Euro 2027 with Stoke stalemate
Match report as England U21s qualify for Euro 2027 after draw with Slovakia in Stoke; Lee Carsley's side only needed a point to send them through to next summer's European Championship, which is being held in Albania and Serbia
Friday 2 October 2026 22:41, UK
England U21s booked their spot at next summer's European Championship 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.
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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.
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. Archie 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.
