England Under-21s booked their place at next summer's European Championship despite being held to a goalless draw by Slovakia in Stoke on Friday night.

The Young Lions sat six points ahead of Slovakia before their meeting, with two games remaining, which meant Lee Carsley's side only needed a draw to send them through to Euro 2027.

Carsley said his side would go for the win but were frustrated by a Slovakia team that sat with a low block.

England's chances go begging

England were the only side looking for an opener. Sydie Peck picked out the in-form Will Lankshear who guided a header wide, and Ethan Nwaneri also came close.

England came closest through Lankshear, who nodded wide a couple of headers in the first period, but they seemed content to take a point and qualify for a tournament they are looking to win for a third successive time.

Along came another chance for Lankshear, this time assisted by the bright Tyrique George, but the Middlesbrough striker narrowly nodded wide of the far post.

Chelsea's Josh Acheampong scored last Friday night and he tested the palms of Adam Hrdina from range to force the goalkeeper's first save.

Slovakia press after the break

Slovakia needed a goal to keep their faint chances of automatic qualification open, and started the second period with a bit more intensity than the first.

Hugo Pavek had a crack from long range which James Beadle needed to be alert to.

Samuel Amo-Ameyaw looked menacing and was particularly causing problems for Slovakia full-back Filip Mielke. He fashioned himself an opportunity early in the second half by cutting inside but aimed over the crossbar.

England continued to look for a goal that would break the deadlock. Archie Gray tried his luck from range to see if he could mark the occasion with a goal but Slovakia's defence stood strong.

Amario Cozier-Duberry replaced George but right-back Pavek's evening did not get any easier, this time the Middlesbrough winger cut inside and flashed in a cross for Peck who could not guide home the opener as both sides settled for a point.

Qualification in sight after Kazkhstan win

The result caps a strong qualifying campaign for Carsley's side. As reported on 26 September 2026, England came from behind to beat Kazakhstan U21 4-2 at Molineux in European Under-21 Championship qualifying, with Lankshear scoring on his debut to wrap up the points, leaving the Young Lions six points clear at the top of Group D with two games left and on the brink of qualification for next year's finals in Albania and Serbia.

England now look ahead to wrapping up Group D against Ireland in Cork in their final fixture. The tournament they have now qualified for will be held in Albania and Serbia.