Lee Carsley Cherishes Derby as He Prepares for the Pride Park Showdown

England’s U21 team will play its first match on home turf since winning the European Championship. They will face Andorra U21s at Pride Park Stadium on Monday, October 13, at 7:45 PM BST. A victory could elevate England to first place in their qualifying group for the 2027 European Championships.

Lee Carsley’s Connection to Derby

Coach Lee Carsley has deep ties to Derby County. He joined the club as a teenager at 15 and made 138 league appearances. Carsley recalls the significance of returning to Pride Park: “Derby will always have a special place for myself and my family because that’s obviously where we started.” He previously returned to the stadium during his stints as caretaker manager for Brentford and Birmingham.

Recent Performance and Rising Star

In a recent match against Moldova, England secured a 4-0 win. Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri stood out by contributing two assists. Carsley praised Nwaneri, highlighting his growth and responsibility within the squad. “He’s definitely grown into the responsibility that he’s got within the squad,” Carsley stated.

Preparing for Andorra

As the team gears up to face Andorra, Carsley emphasizes the importance of maintaining a competitive mentality. He believes that respecting opponents is key, regardless of their ranking. “It’s constantly us versus us… you have to impose yourself on the opposition,” he explained.

• Match Details:
• Opponent: Andorra U21s
• Date: October 13
• Time: 7:45 PM BST

With a strong performance expected, England U21s will look to build on their recent success and solidify their place in the qualification for the upcoming European Championships.