England v Czech Republic
Under-21 International Friendly
7.45pm, Tuesday 18 November 2008
Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC
England’s Under-21s will follow this week’s crucial Play-Offs against Wales by taking on the Czech Republic in Sheffield next month.
Stuart Pearce’s side will face the Czechs at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Tuesday 18 November (kick-off 7.45pm). Tickets for the match will cost just £10 for adults and £5 concessions.
The clash will follow the upcoming double-header against Wales when the Under-21s will be aiming to secure qualification for next summer’s European U21 Championship in Sweden. The first leg of the play-offs takes place in Cardiff on Friday night followed by the home leg at Villa Park on Tuesday 14 October.
England Under-21s Coach Stuart Pearce said: "I’m very much looking forward to taking the Under-21s to Bramall Lane. It’s a club and a city with a fantastic football history and I’m sure the fans will turn out to see England.
"The Play-Offs against Wales will be tough matches but we are determined to qualify for the Championship and the Czech Republic game is intended as the first step towards preparing the squad for the Finals."
Kevin McCabe, plc Chairman Sheffield United FC, said: "We are delighted to host such an attractive fixture and to bring International competition to the city that gave birth to the global game.
"Sheffield not only boasts the oldest football ground in the world, but Sheffield United has in Bramall Lane developed a modern stadium that is well equipped to stage top level domestic and International fixtures."
The Under-21s side this season has been packed with star names from the Premier League and Championship including Joe Hart, Gabby Agbonlahor, Tom Huddlestone and James Milner.