Gareth Southgate’s men are in Olomouc, where they will be stationed for the finals this summer, for four days before they head to Prague for Friday’s game with the host nation.
Czech Republic v England
U21 International Match
7.30pm, Friday 27 March 2015
Latna Stadium, Prague
And the players took the chance to meet the group, from Czech Republic’s Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, as they look to swell some support for their return here in June with two group games to be played in the town.
With over 30 children present throughout the session, they were treated to some England goody-bags and the chance to meet the players, who in turn showed their gratitude for the warm welcome they have received in the town by unveiling a banner which was brought along for the trip.
"We’re going to be here in the summer so it’s important to be familiar with the place," said Three Lions goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, after signing autographs and posing for photographs with the children.
"It’s nice to meet the local kids, they’re all from under-privileged backgrounds, so it’s great for them to meet some of the Premier League stars that we have here and watch us train.
"Hopefully they’ll give us some support in the summer!"
The England squad trained in Olomouc on Tuesday morning with over 30 local youngsters invited to watch
Eliska Zelendova, regional programme manager for the DoE Award, was also delighted with the response of her participants.
"They were really happy to have the opportunity to watch the training and get some little gifts from the players," she said.
"They are from six different children's homes and under-privileged backgrounds in the region so they’ve had difficult lives.
"So this opportunity is a reward for them because they’ve done so well on the programme to try and improve their lives.
The squad brought along a banner to thank the local area for their hospitality
"Maybe they will support England in the summer, or maybe they will support Czech Republic but I cannot say for sure at the moment!"
The squad will remain in Olomouc until Thursday, when they make the 150-mile journey north-west to the Czech capital ahead of Friday’s game.
And they will return to England on Saturday ahead of their match with Germany at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on Monday 30 March.
Tickets for that game are still available now. Click here for more details
The England Under-21s squad were welcomed to Olomouc by a group of local youngsters on Tuesday
