Young Lions face October away double in Iceland and Norway.

One down, seven to go. Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 side hit the ground running last week with three points from their first Euro 2013 qualifier against Azerbaijan, plus a 4-1 friendly win over Israel, but attentions now turn to perhaps their toughest campaign test: a duo of away days in Iceland and Norway.

The Young Lions trip to Iceland to take on their hosts in a key fixture on Thursday 6 October, 6.45pm kick-off (7.45pm BST), when they will play in the Reykjavik Stadium.

They will then travel to Norway to play on Monday 10 October, 7pm kick-off (6pm BST), at the Drammen Stadium.

The two games will be pivotal in Group 8 of the UEFA 2013 European Championship qualification campaign, which will reach its half-way stage as early as November when England also face Belgium away as well host the return fixture against Iceland.

“It was a fantastic start for us, as good a start as we’ve had," said Pearce, "but we really have got two tough fixtures next.

“I have got enough experience at this level to know what is needed in the next two games.

“Iceland have beaten Belgium in their first game and Norway have since beaten Iceland, so we’re all on three points apart from Azerbaijan."

He added: “Iceland will be a really interesting first game for us, as will the Norway game. In November we then go to Belgium and host Iceland in the return. These four games will really dictate how this group pans out.

“I will follow club form and see if we can get one or two players, that are currently injured, fit and available, and maybe one from the seniors.”

To follow England Under-21s in the build up to the games and during the get-together log on to TheFA.com, follow at www.twitter.com/thefadotcom or like at www.facebook.com/EnglandU21s