Slovenia U21 2-2 England U21: Younger Lions squander two-goal lead in Euro 2023 qualifier

England U21s needed to accept a 2-2 draw after surrendering a two-goal half-time lead in Slovenia.

Mark Spanring and Dusan Stojinovic struck within the second half, with the Younger Lions compelled to accept a 2-2 draw of their Euro 2023 qualifier.

Early targets from Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer put Lee Carsley’s facet in full management earlier than they fell aside after the break on Thursday.

It was a repeat of their 2019 pleasant in Maribor the place, with Carsley a coach underneath Aidy Boothroyd, the Younger Lions misplaced a 2-0 lead to attract 2-2.

They now go to Andorra on Monday hoping to have Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones obtainable after he missed out in Celje with a knock.

But it surely was two essential factors dropped after the Czech Republic beat Kosovo 1-0 to take a seat prime of Group G and Albania overcame Andorra 2-0 to push England into third.

England U21s collapse in Slovenia

There appeared little hazard of a Slovenia restoration on the Stadion Z’dezele as England raced right into a commanding lead throughout a dominant first half.

After simply 5 minutes Rhian Brewster was despatched clear and was given a shove by David Zec, just for the ball to run free for Gallagher to seek out the underside nook from 12 yards.

9 minutes later Palmer made it 2-0 when Brewster simply failed to attach with Luke Thomas’ cross and Manchester Metropolis midfielder Palmer collected the ball to twist low previous Martin Turk.

The Younger Lions continued to dominate and Gallagher nearly grabbed his second when he simply did not get a clear connection on Emile Smith Rowe’s cross with the aim gaping.

Brewster and Gallagher shot over earlier than half-time, however the hosts emerged with renewed vigour and pulled a aim again 5 minutes after the break.

England thought that they had escaped when Joe Bursik turned David Bosilj’s drive behind however, from the ensuing nook, Palmer did not clear and substitute Spanring fired in from 16 yards.

The Younger Lions had misplaced their edge as Slovenia discovered extra struggle and Taylor Harwood-Bellis was compelled right into a hasty clearance when the hosts seized on sloppy midfield play after 66 minutes.

However, once more, it was a short-lived reprieve and Stojinovic instantly headed in Nino Zugelj’s nook to finish what regarded an inconceivable comeback at half-time.

England created little within the second half however nearly snatched victory with two minutes left when Turk turned Smith Rowe’s sensible volley vast.

What’s subsequent?

England journey to Andorra in European Underneath-21 Championship Qualifying on Monday at 7pm.