England Under-21 face Lithuania in Kaunas tonight knowing that sterner tests are to come. Similarly, the fixture in Tiraspol, against Moldova, on Tuesday, might be viewed as a lull before the storm.
Having secured top place in group one, Gareth Southgate’s team can be forgiven for turning their attention to next month, when they will have to negotiate a two-legged play-off to earn a place at the European Championship in the Czech Republic next summer.
England will learn their precise fate when the play-off draw is made on September 12, but they can be sure that their next test will be more difficult.
While these next two fixtures will give Southgate an opportunity to learn more about the team he has managed for ten months, he also has the task of ensuring that his players are battle-hardened.
“Portugal are the only ones, like us, who are already through to the play-offs,” Southgate said. “But very few of those countries [who are still to qualify] are going to face a really top side this month to prepare them for next month. We have been talking a lot about what is needed and the standards required to be an elite team. We are trying to create a culture here.”
Advertisement
When England played in the Toulon tournament, in May, the idea was to give the players experience of pivotal matches. After prevailing from their group behind Brazil, the eventual champions, England finished fourth after being beaten 1-0 by Portugal in the third-place play-off.
“That’s why we did what we did in the summer,” Southgate said, “so that the players could recognise the level that is needed and the experiences they are going to face.
“There are going to be seven or eight top teams in the draw but you don’t know who will be strong. For all we know, Poland could be stronger than Spain.
“It is difficult to tell with age groups. Ukraine have had a couple that are really strong. Surprise nations can get there because they happen to have a good crop.”
Teams
Advertisement
England Under-21 (4-4-2): J Butland — T Blackett, L Moore, M Keane, L Garbutt — T Ince, N Chalobah, J Ward-Prowse, N Redmond — D Ings, S Berahino.
Lithuania Under-21 (4-5-1): I Plukas — A Vilkaitis, V Bagdanavicius, E Girdvainis, M Beneta — T Dapkus, E Veliulis M Grigaravicius, G Zukauskas, D Norvilas — D Kazlauskas.
Referee: V Glodjovic (Serbia).
Advertisement