England Under-21s will have home advantage in March when they resume their Euro qualification campaign against neighbours Wales at Derby County’s Pride Park, now known as the iPro Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s side have made a bright start to their qualifying group this campaign and currently sit three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on second-placed Moldova.
And they will be hoping to have a big crowd in support when former Derby player Geraint Williams brings his Wales team to the Midlands on Wednesday 5 March.
England U21s v Wales U21s
UEFA Euro U21 Qualifier
6pm, Wednesday 5 March 2014
iPro Stadium, Derby County
Live on BT Sport
With Rams midfielder Will Hughes being a regular in Southgate’s squad and defenders Andre Wisdom and Michael Keane currently on loan at Pride Park from Liverpool and Manchester United respectively, there’s plenty of local interest for Three Lions and Derby fans alike.
Speaking about the game, head coach Southgate revealed: “We’re really looking forward to playing in front of what I’m sure will be another fantastic crowd at Derby, similar to recent matches there featuring the England Under 21s.
"It’s a region which has a long tradition of giving great support and passionate fans who know and love the game.
Michael Keane celebrates opening the scoring against San Marino.
"The players we have available to us at England Under-21 level, some of whom of course will be known to Derby fans, are certainly an exciting group and with it being against Wales, I’m sure it will be great occasion for those who travel to the game.”
Southgate’s side ended 2013 with two wins last month, beating Finland by 2-0 in Milton Keynes before setting a new record scoreline with a 9-0 thrashing of San Marino in Shrewsbury.
Wales should offer a sterner test for England though, in what is the Under-21s’ first return to Pride Park since February 2007 when they drew 2-2 with Spain in front of 28,295 fans.
That was former boss Stuart Pearce’s first game in charge of the Under-21s and goals from David Nugent and Leroy Lita helped England to come back from two goals down and secure a draw on that occasion.
Tickets for the game will go on sale from 9am on Tuesday 3 December 2013, priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 for U18s. These can be purchased in person from the Digonex Ticket Office, by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or by visiting WeAreDerby.com.
Click here for Charter Standard booking form.
Click here for Group Booking form.
