England have qualified for the 2017 Under-20 World Cup after securing a last-four spot at the U19 Euro Finals.
The Young Lions beat their Dutch counterparts in dramatic style on Friday afternoon, virtually ensuring a top-two spot with a game to spare.
And that status was confirmed later in the day, when France beat Croatia to move level on points with the Netherlands.
Boothroyd’s men will round off the group stage against Croatia on Monday safe in the knowledge that their place in one of Wednesday’s semi-finals is secure.
The U20 World Cup takes place in South Korea between 20 May and 11 June next year, and involves 24 nations from six confederations.
England are the first country to join the hosts in sealing their place at the tournament, which takes place every two years. The Young Lions last qualified in 2013, when the squad included the likes of Eric Dier, Harry Kane, John Stones and Ross Barkley – all of whom are now regulars in the senior set-up.
England’s likely opponents for next week’s European semi-final will be clearer on Sunday, when the final games in Group A are played. Portugal, Italy and Austria all remain in contention, with only Germany out of the running for a top-two spot.
