England U21s 'shell-shocked' during Euros loss - Carsley

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Lee Carsley, the coach of England's Under-21 football team, expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's performance during their 2-1 loss to Germany in the European Under-21 Championship. The match, which took place recently, saw England struggling from the start, conceding two goals within the first 33 minutes.

Match Overview

England, the defending champions, found themselves in a difficult position early in the game. Despite a more spirited second-half performance, highlighted by a goal from Alex Scott, the team could not overturn the deficit. The loss did not eliminate England from the tournament, but it did raise concerns about their readiness for the upcoming quarter-final match against Spain.

Carsley's Reaction

Carsley did not mince words when discussing the team's performance. "I thought there was definitely a bit of shell-shock, going 2-0 down so soon," he said. He emphasized the need for the team to address their slow starts, which have been a recurring issue. In response to the poor first-half performance, Carsley made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in fresh legs to try and change the game's dynamics.

Looking Ahead

The coach also touched on the challenges of preparing the team for the tournament, especially after his temporary role with the senior team. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on the young players and the pressure of representing England. Carsley expects a stronger start in the next game, warning that a repeat of the slow start against Spain could be disastrous.

Conclusion

As England prepares to face Spain in the quarter-finals, the focus will be on rectifying the mistakes made against Germany. Carsley's call for a more aggressive and focused start will be crucial if England hopes to advance further in the tournament.