With a spot in the quarter-finals and first place in Group C already secured, England Under-21s have nothing but pride on the line when they meet ailing champions Germany Under-21s in Wednesday's Under-21 Euro 2023 affair.
In contrast to the Young Lions, Antonio Di Salvo's men are at risk of ceding their crown early, having taken just one point from their opening two group matches.
Match preview
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While England were forced to survive a couple of nervy moments for their 2-0 win over the Czech Republic on matchday one, their success over Israel on Sunday was far more straightforward, as the Under-21s emulated the feats of the Under-19s with a two-goal victory over the Young Chosen Team.
One year on from England's Under-19s defeating Israel 3-1 in their European age-group final, the Under-21s comfortably sealed a place in the knockout rounds courtesy of Anthony Gordon's first-half header and a fine second from Emile Smith Rowe after the break.
On the back of a forgettable season with Arsenal, Smith Rowe made his mark under the watchful eye of Gareth Southgate with his second goal from as many games at the Under-21 Euros, and the Young Lions are guaranteed to progress to the quarters as group winners no matter what transpires this week.
The Czech Republic are the only team that can equal the Young Lions' tally of six points, but England's matchday one victory over the Little Lions means that they have the head-to-head column to fall back on in that scenario, as they prepare for just a second quarter-final appearance since 2011.
The Young Lions had been knocked out in the Under-21 Euros group stage in five of the previous six editions before their sojourn to Romania and Georgia - the latter of whom could potentially meet Carsley's side in the last eight alongside Belgium, the Netherlands or Portugal - but Germany venture to the Adjarabet Arena with much more on the line.
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Recent history repeated itself for the dejected Germans against the Czech Republic at the weekend, as after being forced to accept a point against Israel despite their overwhelming dominance on the opening day, Di Salvo's wasteful crop had nothing to show for their efforts on matchday two.
Enjoying 69% possession on the night and firing 28 shots on the Little Lions' goal, profligacy came back to bite Germany again, as goals from Vaclav Sejk and Martin Vitik either side of an Angelo Stiller response condemned Di Salvo's men to a 2-1 loss, one which leaves them on the brink of elimination.
The three-time and reigning champions are two points below the Czechs and only above Israel in the group courtesy of a superior goal difference, so only a win will do for Di Salvo's side if they are to sneak into the top two, but victory will prove inconsequential if the Czech Republic draw or win against Israel.
Germany are not novices to disappointment as Under-21 European champions - they failed to qualify for the 2011 edition and were knocked out in the 2013 group stage after triumphing in 2009 - but with just one win from their last seven in all tournaments, Di Salvo may be equally concerned about his job as he is a premature exit from the continental tournament.
Familiar foes at the Under-21 Euros, Germany and England met in the 1982 and 2017 continental finals - won by the Young Lions and Die Mannschaft respectively - but Carsley's side came from behind to win 3-1 the last time the two sides butted heads in a September friendly.
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Team News
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With only one concern to work around for their final group game - right-back Max Aarons sat out the win over Israel through illness - England boss Carsley will surely be tempted into several alterations with one eye on the quarter-finals next month.
However, Carsley must strike a fine line between keeping his big guns fresh and putting out a team capable of going toe-to-toe with the champions, but there should be scope for the likes of Harvey Elliott, Cole Palmer, Oliver Skipp and Cameron Archer to earn starts.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Luke Thomas could potentially revitalise the backline, while goalkeeper James Trafford might also be spared, allowing Josh Griffiths and Carl Rushworth to battle it out for the gloves here.
As for Germany, goalscorer Stiller was apparently a bit worse for wear as he came off in the final five minutes of their loss to the Czech Republic, but there is nothing to indicate that the Hoffenheim man will not be available here.
Di Salvo surprisingly left Borussia Dortmund protege Youssoufa Moukoko on the bench at the weekend, but the 18-year-old will surely be considered for an immediate recall here, potentially alongside Kevin Schade as Jessic Ngankam makes way.
England Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Aarons, Harwood-Bellis, Branthwaite, Thomas; Skipp, Ramsey; Elliott, Palmer, Smith Rowe; Archer
Germany Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Atubolu; Vagnoman, Bisseck, Matriciani, Netz; Krauss, Martel, Stiller; Huseinbasic; Schade, Moukoko
We say: England Under-21s 1-1 Germany Under-21s
As much as Germany can rue bad luck for their failure to best Israel or the Czech Republic, they have been equally punished for a lack of ruthlessness, which is hardly ideal before testing their mettle against an England side yet to concede at the tournament.
Carsley's rotated side can be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas as they seek to avoid injuries before the knockout stages, so overcoming the champions might be a bridge too far, but a closely-contested draw would keep the Young Lions undefeated while consigning Germany to only a fourth-ever group-stage exit.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Knapton
Spain U21s
