England under-21s manager Lee Carsley is looking forward to bringing the Young Lions back to the Technique Stadium this evening for what will be tough fixture against Albania.
Speaking exclusively to 1866 Sport, he said: “It’s a big game for us. It’s a game that we are fully prepared for and a game that we definitely won’t be taking for granted.
“Our standards and our levels are going to have to be high to beat Albania. We found it really difficult in Albania against a really resilient, proud team.
“They are well organised, but I think Chesterfield is the perfect venue to host an international.
“We had a really good experience the last time we were there with the local crowd seeing the next generation of English players.”
The former Derby County and Everton midfielder is no stranger to Chesterfield, having played against the Spireites on numerous occasions.
He believes that the Technique Stadium is a brilliant choice to host England and enjoys the unique atmosphere that the venue brings.
Carsley said: “It’s a stadium I really enjoy going to watch players and to take the team. It’s got a really unique atmosphere because the stands are quite close to the pitch – I quite like that.
“I think Chesterfield have got quite a good history and heritage around the football club. I’ve spent a lot of time at Chesterfield.
“I know Chesterfield fans really get behind their team and their country. So, hopefully we’ll get a good crowd there.”
The under-21s include some brilliant young talent with the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe, Curtis Jones, Morgan Gibbs-White and many more in the squad.
Carsley thinks that it is good for the local crowds to see how the potential next England stars are developing on the pitch.
“It’s a big thing for us,” he stated. “It’s really important that the players feel the support, and this is the next generation of potential England players.
“It’ll be good for the local crowd to see what is coming through the system and be excited by it like we are as coaches.
“What they will see and what they will find with this team is that there is a lot of potential within the squad.”
Tickets are still available for the Young Lions’ trip to the Technique Stadium and they can be found here: https://tickets.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/en-gb/categories/match
