Lee Carsley has guided England back to the finals (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Lee Carsley has guided England back to the finals (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Young Albion talents have put themselves into a position to do something unique, according to their national team boss.
Goalkeeper James Beadle started and winger Amario Cozier-Duberry went on as substitute as England under-21s secured their place in the finals of the Euros next summer.
Although they did not do it in great style, drawing 0-0 with Slovakia at Stoke City, the point was enough ahead of a trip to Cork to play second-placed Republic of Ireland.
The hosts will be looking for a win to secure a play-off place.
Jack Hinshelwood is also eligible for the 21s but has missed the last two camps through injury.
Beadle and Hinshelwood both helped England win the title last summer in Slovakia, which was their second successive triumph.
Under-21s boss Lee Carsley said: “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.”
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Cozier-Duberry, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, is on his first call-up for the 21s.
He remained an unused substitute in a win over Kazakhstan but this time went on for Tyrique George after 62 minutes and almost created a winner.
Having cut inside, he flashed in a cross for Sydie Peck, who could not guide home the opener as both sides settled for a point.
Albion also have Harry Howell and Freddie Simmonds coming through the England age groups.