Amo-Ameyaw hails Carsley approach

Sam Amo-Ameyaw hailed Lee Carsley after England qualified for the European Under-21 Championships with a game to spare.

The Young Lions clinched the point they need to guarantee their place at next summer’s tournament in Albania and Serbia with a goalless draw against Slovakia at Stoke City’s bet365 Stadium.

England, who will qualify unbeaten if they avoid defeat in their final game against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, will head to the tournament looking to make history by becoming the first team to win three successive titles.

Carsley was in charge for the Young Lions previous two victories in 2023 and 2025 and Amo-Ameyaw says he is someone players love working with.

"Lee is a great coach,” said the Strasbourg winger.

"Each game, he takes it the same way with the mentality of trying to win the game.

“He gives us freedom to go and do that every game. I think Lee is a great coach and all the players are behind him.”

England were frustrated for long periods in Stoke, where Slovakia’s resolute five-man defence proved difficult to break down.

But with qualification the ultimate aim, it was a case of a job well done for midfielder Sydie Peck, who felt the Young Lions showed plenty of promise with the manner of their performance. 

“Every game is different,” he added.

“We aim to win the game but I think there are plenty of positives to take from it and, if you can’t win, you don’t lose a game of football.

“I’m buzzing for the clean sheet. The boys are buzzing about that. I thought we had a lot of chances, and the next bit is about finding a way to win.

“We’re looking to finish the campaign on Tuesday with a win."