Have England ever won the European Under-21 Championship? Young Lions bid to end drought

England will hope to reverse their recent horror showings at the European Under-21 Championships when the latest edition starts this week.

The Young Lions have failed to get out of the group stages in five of the last six tournaments but their current squad leaves cause for optimism.

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England’s problem previously in the youth ranks is starlets being fast-tracked into the senior set up after outgrowing U21 football.

Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham would have both been eligible for the 2023 Euros but are mainstays under Gareth Southgate after a combined five appearances at U21 level between them.

However, Premier League stars from Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool will all be in Georgia and Romania this summer.

Have England ever won the Euro U21 Championship?

The Young Lions are two-time winners of the U21 Euros but have not tasted glory since 1984.

England originally impressed in the first six editions under former Chelsea manager David Sexton.

Having reached the semi-finals in 1978 and 1980, England then lifted the trophy for the first time in 1982 after beating West Germany.

The Lions then defended their crown two years later with a convincing win over Spain where Mark Hateley finished top scorer.

England did manage to record semi-final finishes over the next two tournaments before they failed to qualify for the next five editions.

Their best finish since their 1984 triumph came under Stuart Pearce in 2009.

But England – missing talkSPORT’s suspended Gabby Agbonlahor – were crushed 4-0 by a Mesut Ozil-inspired Germany in Malmo.

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England U21s vs Czech Republic U21s: talkSPORT coverage

England get their Under-21 Group C campaign underway on Thursday, June 22.

Kick-off at the Batumi Arena in Georgia is set for 5pm UK time.

talkSPORT will have live commentary from Joe Shennan and former England striker David Nugent.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

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