Young Lions face Andorra amid pressure
England Under-21s travel to Andorra before hosting Moldova in Euro 2027 qualifying. This preview highlights squad contrasts, key players and the pressure on the Young Lions to deliver results.
The Young Lions will face Andorra Under-21s on Friday, March 27 as part of the qualifying for Euro 2027.
Three days later they will fly back to the UK to do battle with Moldova in Norwich against Moldova.
Andorra will host the match at the Estadi National in Andorra la Vella at 6.30 GMT. The stadium has a low capacity compared to Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium. 3,306 seats against 27,244.
Here are some facts about the European minnows.
The first game at the Estadi National was played against Wales on September 9, 2014, just a week after the pitch passed the UEFA inspection.
Andorra are one of the countries in Europe to not have a football league. The other is Liechtenstein.
Andorra’s star is Gerard Solà. The 21-year-old already plays for SD Huesca B in the Spain’s Primera Liga.
After training sessions at St.George’s park this week, the England team is ready for the match.
ENGLAND’S YOUNG STARS – THE FACTS TO KNOW
An interesting curiosity about Rico Lewis is that his father, Rick Lewis, is a former thai boxing champion who now owns a muay thai boxing gym!
Star names in the Young Lions squad include Archie Gray, Jobe Bellingham, and Divin Mubama.
At club level, Divin Mubama joined the West Ham United when he was 8. He signed with this club in 2021 on his 17th birthday and played his first game in 2022. Originally a left-back he has since transitioned to be one of the UK’s leading goal-scoring talents.
Archie Gray has played for England from Under-16 level, but he remains eligible to play for Scotland, if he chooses. He is the son of former professional Andy Gray and grandson of Frank Gray - a former Scottish football manager and player.
Jobe Bellingham, son of former footballer Mark Bellingham is half Irish and half Jamaican. He has played for England since Under-16s level and is the current Under-21 captain. He’s also the young brother of Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham!
The disparity between the two squads is evident. Andorra’s squad is worth €350k, compared to England’s €361m (according to transfermarkt.com). Therefore, the next 2 matches should be routine for the Young Lions, but the pressure is on them to show their class in this mismatched fixture.
Written by Alessia Gentilini and Casey Hardwick