Latest news with #Trnava
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Carlsey dismisses any underdog tag for England
England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley has dismissed any underdog status ahead of the Young Lions' showdown with Spain. Saturday's Euro 2025 quarter-final in Trnava, Slovakia is a repeat of the 2023 final that England won 1-0 to lift the European Championship for the first time since year, defending champions England finished second in Group B after Wednesday's 2-1 defeat by Germany while Spain were unbeaten and topped Group A. "I don't feel like an underdog. If we can perform and we can play to our ability, we've got a great chance of winning the game," Carsley said. The 51-year-old expects to have a fully fit squad - with all players training on Friday in Slovakia - as he looks to add more goals to their have created the third most chances in the tournament but have scored the second lowest number of goals of the teams left. "I believe Spain are a top team and anyone who was with us in the last few Euros knows you have to beat all of the top teams," added Carsley. "Spain are another team I've got a lot of respect for, the final we had a couple of years ago was so close. It could have gone either way. We scored a fortunate goal and played OK in the game but there's definitely a lot more to come from us if we're going to progress."Obviously the most difficult thing is to score a goal and maybe we just need that little bit of luck, we need a scruffy one."The main thing is we keep creating the chances, we keep running to the areas, we have that belief that it's going to drop and I think we can do that."
The Guardian
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Will Spain serve up a helping of pain for England's misfiring youngsters?
Venganza is on the cards in Trnava on Saturday night when England take on Spain at the European Under-21 Championship quarter-finals. There are constant reminders on the Channel 4 coverage in the UK that 'we' are the holders, despite the fact there are only a couple of remaining members from the squad that defeated La Rojita in the final in Batumi two years ago. It's a night that Oliver Skipp will never forget. There is another stark difference between then and now: England were properly decent at that point. This current crop have stumbled their way into the last eight like a weary boozer, six pints deep, picking his way through an All Bar One terrace on a hot day. Galavanting is not part of this England team's repertoire; instead meekness is the summary of what they have offered. After a promising defeat of the Czech Republic, they stumbled to a goalless draw against the might of Slovenia before losing to Germany B in their final group game. Spain, on the other hand, have breezed to this stage, sweeping past Slovakia (3-2) and Romania (2-1). The more worrying news for England is that the Spanish are favourites and an inquisition should be expected. They've still got memories of Curtis Jones's winner in Georgia two years ago, although the more galling moment remains James Trafford making an injury-time penalty save from Abel Ruiz to secure the silverware for England. Revenge, it seems, is best served in a partially full stadium in Slovakia's seventh biggest city. If we're looking for positives out of the Germany game for England, then young Bournemouth midfield scurrier Alex Scott, who scored in the second half, was decent. He reckons it's only a matter of time before the floodgates open for Carsley's pups. 'The lads score goals every single day but it's not quite clicked yet in the games. The quality we have in this team, it's a matter of time before the goals start flying in,' he whooped. They'll need to win possession off the ball-hogging Spaniards before they can pepper the goal with shots. How will they do that, then? 'Replicate what the lads did two years ago,' he mused. 'It is going to be a tough team. Every Spain team is very good on the ball, very calm and composed.' In preparing to soften any blow, England need not worry, even if a hammering is handed out. Why? Because they have one of their own in Spain's squad. Leeds United striker Mateo 'Matty' Joseph Fernández-Regatillo is leading the line despite possessing 10 England Under-20 caps. Born in Santander to an English father and Spanish mother, Joseph spent the first 19 years of his life in his homeland before being attracted by the bright lights of Yorkshire to learn about real football, none of that tiki-taka nonsense. Giving Joseph a proper football education might now backfire on England, but it does guarantee that at least one proud bulldog will make it to the semi-finals, whatever happens. Join Taha Hashim for red-hot Copa Gianni updates from Flamengo 0-0 Chelsea at 7pm (BST). The American dream. We guess the cowboy won …' – Botafogo remind PSG chief suit, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, of the insult he hurled at their owner John Textor, also chief suit at Lyon, after the Brazilian side's shock 1-0 Copa Gianni victory over the Bigger Cup champions. Re: the thinly veiled contempt from the Juventus players standing behind Donald Trump (yesterday's Football Daily), brought to mind this scene from The Simpsons …' – Adam Clark. The photo in yesterday's Football Daily makes Mr Infantino look very much like Mickey Mouse in his magnum opus, Fantasia. On reflection, Mickey Mouse is a perfect description for Mr Infantino, and his mate Donald shares many comparisons with [Snip – Football Daily lawyer]' – Joe Carr. Given the PFA has a young player of the year award, isn't it only fair they also have an old player of the year award (over 78s perhaps? – Football Daily Ed)? I had a really good game with my dog in the garden recently so surely I qualify and I'm even older than James Milner' –Martyn Shapter. Please send your letters to Today's winner of our letter o' the day competition is … Joe Carr, who gets some Football Weekly merch. We'll be in touch. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. In the past few days, thirsty shoppers in supermarkets around Britain may have spotted a big promotional display from an energy drink offering them a chance to meet England's Lionesses. So far, so ordinary, right? Not if you were doing your big shop in Cardiff, where Tesco upset regulars who would have preferred to get the chance to meet their own national team's players instead. The Welsh FA's chief suit, Noel Mooney, took to his social media disgrace of choice to roar: 'We are Cymru!' And one shopper told the BBC it was 'deeply offensive', adding that Tesco should have 'read the room' with Wales taking on England in Euro 2025 next month. Tesco apologised for the own goal, saying the display was 'incorrectly' put up and promised that 'many of our colleagues and customers will be supporting their home nations' in the Euros. Lucozade sport, gets others irked, fast. It's all going on at Liverpool, with Florian Wirtz coughing for the Anfield doctor and Milos Kerkez packing his bags at Bournemouth and heading up the A338, A31, M27, M3, A34, M40, M6, M62 and round Queen's Drive in a £40m deal. Harry Kane can't wait to face Boca and their bouncy fans at Copa Gianni. 'They're loud and they're passionate,' roared Kane. 'So, yeah, I'm looking forward to the atmosphere. You know, sometimes it brings out the best in you as a player.' Lionel Messi has delivered on his end of the Faustian bargain, pinging in a free-kick to give Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto at Copa Gianni. Hannah Hampton has vowed to try to replicate Mary Earps's main character energy after being confirmed as England's first-choice goalkeeper for the Euros, though she'll probably have to effing swear more to do that. 'We're gonna miss her as a person here,' she sniffed. 'She's a big personality in this team. Now l have got to just go and live up to her legacy. I'll give it my best shot.' Daniëlle van de Donk has done one from OL Lyonnes to London City Lionesses, both of whom are owned by Michele Kang. New Rangers boss Russell Martin will watch his team take a high-wire approach to playing out from the back for the first time in a Scottish Premiership match, when they face Motherwell away in their season-opener. Full fixtures here. And Bruno Fernandes has joined Mohamed Salah on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Premier League player of the year gong, with Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey the favourite for the WSL's award. From heat to unrest: Alexander Abnos on how five major storylines are shaping up at Copa Gianni. Is Cole Palmer playing down the fuss before Chelsea's clash with Flamengo? Of course he is! Jacob Steinberg on the 'normal' kid who does exceptional things. Why is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike hot property in the summer transfer window? Ben McAleer explains. 'Family. They're the only ones you can depend on,' said Tony Soprano. New Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso is reaching for that same ethos, explains Nicky Bandini, as the Azzurri try to avoid the unthinkable prospect of failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup. And the Rumour Mill picks over the latest gossip, including speculation over comings and goings at Liverpool. We rewind to 1966 and a new bridge under construction outside Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, in time for the World Cup games to be held there that summer. The ground hosted three matches in Group Three: Portugal 3-1 Hungary, Portugal 3-0 Bulgaria, and Hungary 3-1 Bulgaria.
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Just smash into them' – England U21s star Charlie Cresswell reveals his plan to bring pain to Spain in Euros showdown
CHARLIE CRESSWELL says England have nothing Tou-Louse and vowed to bring the pain to Spain and 'smash' straight into them. The Young Lions went down 2-1 to Germany on Wednesday in Slovakia to finish runners-up in Group B. 3 3 Lee Carsley 's side are now on a collision course with the much-fancied La Roja, the team they beat to win the U21 Euros in 2023, in Trnava on Saturday. The boss revealed that he let his players have it as they trailed 2-0 to the Germans at the break but was pleased by the response as Alex Scott almost sparked a late rally. And Cresswell, 22, insists that there won't be a repeat of the 'lack of fight' they started with when they go to battle with star-studded Spanish Armada. The honest defender, who has starred for Toulouse in Ligue 1 since joining from Leeds last summer, said: 'It wasn't good enough from everyone, myself included, it was a collective thing. We just needed more fight, more determination. We can go press them high and get the ball back. We needed more of that and you saw that in the second half.' On the content of Carsley's dressing down, he continued: 'Show some fight, you're playing for England, let's run harder than them, work harder than them. I was saying to the lads 'just smash into them', 'I don't know you're there' and 'let them know they're in a game'. 'We showed that in the second half, but we've got to take that into the next game. 'You can't give Germany that, otherwise look what they did. That's the thing with European competitions, you get punished and you've got to be at your best game.' Cresswell, whose father is a former Leeds star, acknowledged that many will have England down as the underdogs. But he, along with Harvey Elliott, were part of the squad that toppled them in Georgia two years ago and he's relishing another fierce battle. He added: 'We go into each game wanting to win. We respect every team. It's going to be a different group from two years ago and they'll be a good side and we've got to be at our game. Lee Carsley hailed for 'best football England have ever played' as fans say 'can we rip up Tuchel's contract-' 3 'Of course Spain are a top side. The first team as well, it runs through their system. You know when you play against Spain what they're going to be like. They're going to pass it around and try to make you move. But we've got to stand strong and take the game to them. 'We've got quality in that dressing-room. We know we can beat them. 'Everyone has their weaknesses, you know. We've got to make sure we're at our A game. 'It was good [in 2023], I know it got a bit fiery at some points and I'm pretty sure it'll be a fiery game. I enjoy that stuff though. I was saying to the lads 'just smash into them', 'I don't know you're there' and 'let them know they're in a game'. Charlie Cresswell 'I said to the lads, it doesn't get better than this. You're playing for England Under-21s, against Germany and next will be against Spain. It doesn't get better than this. We'll look back on this time and want to live this point again so it's important we stay right here right now and enjoy every moment.' Ipswich winger Omari Hutchinson, whose trickery produced the assist for Scott, added: 'They're very good on the ball, so we want to be dominant. We're gonna have to try to take that away from them. We can be physically better than them. We've just got to physically outrun them and take them to the final whistle. 'Cars is big on that. He said last time they played each other it was a tough game. We just want to be able to dominate and win by two goals really. 'It's my biggest game for England so I'm looking forward to it.' England's Under-21 Euros squad in FULL ENGLAND are looking to retain their status as Under-21 European champions this summer in Slovakia. Here is Lee Carsley's full squad for the blockbuster tournament: Goalkeepers: James Beadle (Brighton and Hove Albion), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea), Tommy Simkin (Stoke City) Defenders: Charlie Cresswell (FC Toulouse), Ronnie Edwards (Southampton), CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Brooke Norton Cuffy (Genoa), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool) Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth) Forwards: Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town), Sam Iling Jnr (Aston Villa), James McAtee (Manchester City), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Jonathan Rowe (Marseille), Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City)
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Spain U21 vs England U21 preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for Euros quarter-final
ENGLAND clash with Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Under-21 Championships on Saturday. SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners. Spain U21 vs England U21 preview England's bid to defend their European Under-21 Championship crown faces a major test on Saturday, as they take on Group A winners Spain in the quarter-finals in Trnava, Slovakia. Lee Carsley's side entered the tournament as reigning champions, but it's not been a vintage campaign by any stretch of the imagination. Following their opening victory over the Czech Republic, England played out a frustrating goalless draw with Slovakia before a 2-1 defeat to Germany - who changed their entire XI. Their most recent outing followed a familiar pattern. England had 18 shots compared to Germany's five but could only manage five on target. Germany, meanwhile, scored with both of their efforts on target. The Young Lions boast the highest possession stats and passing accuracy, with the third-most number of attempts - but have managed only four goals from 54 efforts. That will need to change if they are to progress against a Spanish team in terrific form. It's also a Spain team out for revenge. The two sides last met in the final just two years ago, when England clinched the title - thanks in no small part to Cole Palmer's winner and James Trafford's dramatic double save from Abel Ruiz's stoppage-time penalty. Santi Denia's side have looked sharp throughout the tournament, seeing off hosts Slovakia and Romania before drawing 1-1 with Italy to top the group unbeaten. Their qualifying campaign was similarly dominant: 28 points from a possible 30, 28 goals scored, just five conceded. Carsley knows his side must sharpen up in front of goal if they're to have any hope of reaching the semi-finals. 'We have to take the chances that we create,' he admitted. 'The amount of chances we create and not converting is something we need to work on. 'The quality of a team like Spain — we can't afford to miss those chances. If we give Spain a two-goal head start, it's game over.' Spain U21 vs England U21 preview betting tips and predictions Spain win Spain enter this clash as 5/4 favourites - and rightly so, given their impressive form. La Rojita are unbeaten in their last 13 competitive international fixtures (W11, D2) since their defeat to England in the 2023 European Under-21 Championship final. England, on the other hand, have struggled in front of goal, converting just four of their 54 attempts across their last three matches. A similar lack of cutting edge could prove costly against a Spanish side that has scored 20 goals in their last eight competitive outings. First England scorer If England are to score, and we suspect that they might given Spain are without a clean sheet in any of their last seven matches, we think it'll come via Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott. The 22-year-old was England's top scorer during qualification with seven - and netted first in the opening victory over the Czech Republic. Elliott also has the most attempts of any England player at this competition with 10. Terms and conditions *Midnite: 18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. *William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. 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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Official line-ups: Slovakia vs. Italy U21 European Championship
Italy bring in Cesare Casadei and Diego Coppola for their second European Under-21 Championship tie against hosts Slovakia. It kicks off at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium in Trnava at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CET). Advertisement The Azzurrini opened their account with a 1-0 victory over Romania, which was sealed by a Tommaso Baldanzi goal and 'keeper Sebastiano Desplanches saving a penalty. They are in Group A along with Spain and Romania, with the top two going through to the quarter-finals. BOLZEN, ITALY – OCTOBER 17: Tommaso Baldanzi of Italy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA U21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy and Norway at Stadio Druso on October 17, 2023 in Bolzen, Italy. (Photo by) Coach Carmine Nunziata sticks with much of the same XI that opened the tournament, but makes two big changes. Coppola and Casadei were initially rested, as they joined up late with the squad after participating in the World Cup qualifiers with the senior Italy team. The Verona defender and Torino midfielder step into the starting XI now, sending Daniele Ghilardi and Luca Koleosho to the bench. Advertisement This means Giovanni Fabbian is pushed into a more advanced role with Baldanzi in support of False 9 Willy Gnonto. Nunziata had to improvise for the attack after losing top scorer Francesco Pio Esposito to injury for the competition. LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United lduring the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Rotherham United at Elland Road on February 10, 2024 in Leeds, England. (Photo by) The most familiar face in the Slovakia Under-21 squad is Verona attacking midfielder Tomas Suslov, while Cagliari central defender Adam Obert also plays. They opened their tournament with a hard-fought 3-2 defeat to Spain, capitulating only in stoppages. Slovakia vs Italy official line-ups Slovakia U21: Belko; Kopasek, Jakubko, Obert, Javorcek; Nebyla, Rigo, M Sauer; Marcelli, Suslov, L Sauer Italy U21: Desplanches; Zanotti, Pirola, Coppola, Ruggeri; Casadei, Prati, Ndour; Fabbian, Baldanzi, Gnonto Ref: Minakovic (SRB)
