Lee Carsley frustrated after England Under-21s held by Slovenia in goalless stalemate

Lee Carsley admitted his frustration after his England Under-21 side were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia this afternoon.

The Young Lions started slowly but dominated thereafter with only a string of fine saves from goalkeeper Martin Turk keeping England at bay.

Turk’s best save came in second-half injury-time, tipping a Jack Hinshelwood header over the bar.

Another point on the board at the #U21EURO finals, as our #YoungLions draw with Slovenia on matchday two. pic.twitter.com/MmrAWGaOPm

— England (@England) June 15, 2025

We lacked quality – Carsley

Carsley told Channel 4: “It was frustrating. It wasn’t for the want of effort, we just lacked a bit of quality at times. We had some really good chances and if we’d taken one of them I think we’d have won the game comfortably.

“We have to give Slovenia credit as well. They made it very difficult for us, especially the way they started and the way they set up in terms of letting us have the ball.

“We didn’t start fast and we were under pressure in the first 15 minutes. It was important we didn’t concede so that was a real positive.”

England now have four points from their two games in Group B and know a point against Germany on Wednesday will be enough to see them through.

“The objective is to qualify for the group and we’re still on course for that,” added Carsley. “It’s really important that the players recover; I think we’ll definitely freshen the team up for the Germany game.”

McAtee switches attention to final group game

Captain James McAtee was also quick to turn his attention to the Germany game.

“We’re disappointed, we came here to win, but it’s a point and we’re still in charge of [qualification],” said the Manchester City midfielder.

“I don’t think we fell short in general play, it was just the chances – I missed a few, there were some great saves from the keeper. On another day we come away with three points.

“We’ll go back now and socialise, see our families for a bit, and we’ll be ready for the next game.”

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