Carsley: Early qualification a 'massive achievement'

Lee Carsley heaped praise on England men’s under-21s after they qualified for the European Under-21 Championships with a game to spare.

The Young Lions drew 0-0 with Slovakia to seal their progress to next summer’s tournament in Albania and Serbia, where they will have the opportunity to clinch a historic third successive title.

The goalless draw in Stoke means England can qualify unbeaten if they avoid defeat in their final group fixture against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, with Carsley expressing his pride in how his young side have handled the qualification campaign.

“They're in a really unique position and a position they should be proud of,” he said.

“I am definitely excited working with these [players]. This campaign, I have definitely enjoyed getting qualified almost as much as winning the championships because it is not easy.

“Slovakia started off the campaign so well where they just kept winning and obviously to be qualified with one game to spare is a massive achievement for these players.”

England went into the game knowing that avoiding a four-goal defeat would be enough to qualify.

Carsley acknowledged that being aware of those circumstances, while trying to win the game, presented a unique challenge for his young side, who dominated possession but were unable to punish a stubborn Slovakian defence.

Though the players were left frustrated in their efforts to break the deadlock, the Young Lions' boss was pleased with his side's performance, particularly across the nine qualifying games, and says they should be excited by the prospect of making history next summer.

“We spoke a lot about the importance of starting the game fast and the momentum that goes with that,’ he added.

“I thought they did that. They stood up for themselves and if we had come in at half-time 2-0 up I don’t think we would have been surprised.

“I think we have to give them [Slovakia] credit, I thought they defended very well in terms of their back five.

“They were very frustrated after the game, but I made the point to them that to play in a major competition is the story of a season not just one game.

“They have put themselves in a great position to potentially do something that no other country has done before in terms of potentially winning the tournament for a third time so it’s exciting times for them.”