Andorra U21 vs England U21: Lee Carsley admits he cannot demand perfection
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones will be assessed after missing the draw in Slovenia with a groin problem; follow Andorra U21 vs England U21 with our live blog on Sky Sports website and app on Monday
Tuesday 12 October 2021 06:16, UK
Team news ahead of Andorra vs England in European U21 Championship Qualifying on Monday; kick-off 7pm.
Boss Lee Carsley admits he cannot demand perfection from his England U21s.
The Young Lions face Andorra on Monday having blown a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in Slovenia on Thursday.
They sit third in Group G, five points behind leaders the Czech Republic having played a game less, in the race to reach Euro 2023.
England were held to a surprise 3-3 draw in Andorra a year ago and Carsley knows his young squad are not the finishing article.
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He said: "I'm often guilty of this, my expectation of this squad is I want them to be perfect every game. With the age of the players and at this point in their careers it's not possible.
"I'm very wary my expectation levels are so high so I want to make sure we can fulfil the potential.
"Our application and attitude has to be right - and it has been for the two games. If we can match them physically and stand up in moments which will be tough we'll be OK."
On Thursday, Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer gave the Young Lions a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes in Slovenia but Mark Spanring and Dusan Stojinovic levelled as the hosts hit back in the second half.
Carlsey, though, believes the draw will help his squad in the long-term.
He said: "I had real mixed emotions after the game. It was such a positive, exciting, first half in terms of the way we played, the amount of chances we created, the variation in which we played in.
"We started the second half a bit slowly, not recognising we potentially had to ride out a rough patch, conceded a goal quite early and then conceded another set play.
"Apart from the two set plays it's the understanding and having that recognition you need to see that patch of the game out, that we might need to go a little bit more compact and direct.
"We have spoken about it and the players recognise it, as have the coaches. I have been really pleased with the way they have reacted."
Team news
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones missed the game after a tight groin in training on Tuesday and will be assessed ahead of Monday's trip to Andorra.
Carsley added: "He had a bit of tightness in his groin area. We will never put players in position where we will risk them. We'll monitor the situation looking towards Andorra but we will not be putting him under any pressure to play."
Carsley is likely to make a number of changes to his England XI, including bringing in Folarin Balogun for Rhian Brewster up front.
Tino Livramento could make his first start at this level at right-back, while Angel Gomes or James Garner may feature.
Andorra boss Eloy Casals could keep changes down to a minimum but Alex Rente may be provided with an opportunity in the final third after the 17-year-old made his debut as a substitute against Albania.
How to follow
Live International Under-21 Football
Follow Andorra U21 vs England U21 with our live blog on Sky Sports website and app on Monday. Free match highlights will be published shortly after full-time.
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England U21's Euro 2023 qualifying campaign
September 7: England 2-0 Kosovo
October 7: Slovenia 2-2 England
October 11: Andorra vs England
November 11: England vs Czech Republic
March 25, 2022: England vs Andorra
March 29: Albania vs England
June 3: Czech Republic vs England
June 7: England vs Albania
June 10: Kosovo vs England
June 14: England vs Slovenia
