Carsley dismisses any underdog tag for England

Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, has firmly rejected any notion of his team being underdogs as they prepare for their Euro 2025 quarter-final clash against Spain in Trnava, Slovakia. This match is a repeat of the 2023 final, where England triumphed over Spain with a narrow 1-0 victory, marking their first European Championship title since 1984. Ahead of this crucial encounter, England comes off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Germany, which saw them finish second in Group B. In contrast, Spain topped Group A unbeaten, setting the stage for a highly competitive match. Carsley emphasized that he believes in his team's capabilities and is confident that if they perform to their potential, they can win the game. He also mentioned that the squad is in good shape, with all players expected to train fully in Slovakia, aiming to improve their goal-scoring record, which has been a concern despite creating a significant number of chances in the tournament.

Carsley acknowledges the challenge posed by Spain, a team he holds in high regard, especially after their closely contested final encounter last year. He noted that the previous match could have gone either way, highlighting the fine margins in competitive football. While expressing respect for Spain's footballing pedigree, he remains optimistic about his team's chances, asserting that they must continue to create opportunities and maintain their belief in scoring. Carsley pointed out that the most challenging aspect of the game is finding the back of the net and suggested that sometimes a bit of luck is needed, such as a scrappy goal, to break through. He remains focused on the importance of creating chances and instilling confidence in his players, believing that with the right mindset and performance, England can progress further in the tournament.