England Under-21s to face Kazakhstan in Coventry

Thursday 20 Aug 2015
U21s head coach Gareth Southgate is taking his team to Coventry in October
England Under-21s will be heading to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena in October to face Kazakhstan in Euro Qualifying.

The Three Lions will host their Group 9 rivals at 5.45pm on Tuesday 13 October, as Gareth Southgate’s side begin their campaign to reach the next U21 Euro Finals in Poland 2017.

England v Kazakhstan

U21 Euro Qualifier
Group 9
5.45pm, Tuesday 13 October 2015
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Live on BT Sport
£10 adults £5 concessions
Call 024 7678 6411 or ricoharena.com for tickets

And it will be the third time that the U21s have played at the home of Coventry City, where they have previously enjoyed victories over Germany and FYR Macedonia.

Their first visit came in October 2006, when Peter Taylor’s side beat the Germans 1-0 in a Euro Championship play-off game, courtesy of a goal from Leighton Baines.

They were back again three years later to clock up a 6-3 victory against the Macedonians, with goals from Kieran Gibbs, Micah Richards, Andy Carroll (2) and Zavon Hines (2) sealing victory in a Euro Qualifier.

Speaking about the game, U21s head coach Southgate said: "It’s great to take the junior national teams to a Football League ground.

Watch highlights of England's 6-3 win over Macedonia at the Ricoh Arena in 2009

"It’s a fantastic stadium and they create a really good atmosphere, so hopefully we can contribute to that with a good performance in October.

"Hopefully, the squad that we’ll be naming over the next couple of months will be an exciting one for people to come and watch.

"And it’s a chance for those fans who don’t get to see us play at Wembley to see an England side in action at their home ground."

England have been drawn out in their qualifying group with Norway, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Switzerland and Kazakhstan and start their campaign against Norway in Drammen on Monday 7 September.

England were drawn out in Group 9 for the qualifying process to reach the next Euro Finals in Poland 2017

And having already overseen one successful qualifying campaign last term, Southgate is well aware of the task that will face his side in the West Midlands with the visitors keen to impress on English soil.

"We’re used to that sort of challenge, but I think we have got some exciting players who will be able to rise to it," he added.

"I think all of our matches last season were exciting to watch and people up and down the country enjoyed their evening."

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and a £20 family ticket for two adults and two children, will go on sale at 10am on Wednesday 26 August, via ricoharena.com or by calling 024 7678 6411.

Coventry City season ticket holders will also be able to take advantage of two-for-one tickets.

There are also group bookings for 15 people or more (no age restrictions and bookable in advance only) priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.

Disabled supporters will pay the full price according to their age category with their carer going free and for Charter Standard Clubs there are up to 25 complimentary tickets available on proof of membership with any additional uptake at the group rate.

The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport as part of the broadcaster’s ongoing commitment to showcasing the England development teams.

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels