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Lee Carsley’s Young Lions bid to end 39 years of hurt as they face La Rojita in the final of the European Under-21 Championship. England have been the most impressive side in the tournament, scoring for fun and not conceding a goal on their run to this evening’s showpiece in Georgia.
This is the first time England have reached the final of this competition since 2009. England last lifted the trophy in 1984 but they are heavily fancied to win this evening and Gareth Southgate has flown out to watch the game. Spain will be no pushovers, though, and will likely prove England’s toughest test so far. The Spanish are aiming to claim a record sixth European Under-21 crown and a fourth title in 12 years.
Emile Smith Rowe and Cole Palmer both start for England, while Max Aarons gets the nod at left-back as he returns from suspension. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated LIVE blog below!
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Teams are out, decent crowd inside the stadium too. Will be a good amount of support for England this evening, though plenty of Spanish flags dotted around too.
Time for the anthems.
Ten minutes to go…
The players will be out onto the pitch very, very shortly.
The Young Lions have been perfect so far in the tournament, winning every match without conceding a goal.
This is by far their toughest test, but they have every reason to be confident after a brilliant few weeks. One more performance needed…
One last message!
We’ve had Harry Kane, we’ve had the Arsenal squad… you can add the Lionesses to the list of good luck messages sent to the England squad.
They’re in Australia ahead of the Women’s World Cup later this month, looking to pick up more silverware themselves after European glory on home soil last summer.
Fairly decent record!
England haven’t won this tournament since 1984 – no such problems for Spain.
They’ve lifted the trophy on three of the past six occasions, with a runners-up finish in that run too. Spain very much used to being here.
The Young Lions last made it to the final in 2009, when they they were beaten 4-0 by Germany. James Milner, Theo Walcott and Micah Richards also started that night.
Carsley wary of Spain threat
“Spain are a top nation, we respect them a lot,” the Young Lions’ boss said in his pre-match press conference.
“It’s important that we defend well as a team. We’ve got both parts well so far as we’ve attacked through the thirds quite quickly. Spain, along with three or four others, have always been high quality and had exciting individuals. Watching La Liga there is a very similar style at the top. It’s always good to learn and watch good teams play.
“We like the ball, as do Spain. Our main focus today has been out of possession, where we’re in a position to get it back. We won’t have the ball at some points. Watching Spain’s game, I’m expecting a really exciting final.”
Young Lions in the building!
Smith Rowe and Palmer start
Cole Palmer gets the nod for England on the right wing, with Noni Madueke having to settle for a place on the bench. Emile Smith Rowe starts on the opposite flank.
Max Aarons is back from suspension and returns at left-back, with the Young Lions side otherwise as expected. Anthony Gordon once again leads the line, Cameron Archer among the substitutes.
Spain team news
Starting XI: Tenas; Gomez, Paredes, Pacheco, Miranda; Blanco, Baena, Sancet; Rodri, Ruiz, Gomez
Extra marks for a video? No, entirely unnecessary.
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