England U21s will play two home fixtures in March as they continue their preparation for this summer’s UEFA European U21 Championship.
The Young Lions will first face Poland at Ashton Gate, Bristol on Thursday 21 March (7.45pm).
Aidy Boothroyd’s side will then take on current U21 EURO champions Germany at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on Tuesday 26 March (7.45pm).
The games represent two more firm tests for the squad who are now focused on the Finals, which take place in Italy and San Marino and where England will face France, Romania and Croatia in Group C.
England last played Poland in the group stages of the 2017 EURO Finals, where they clocked up a 3-0 win in Kielce, thanks to goals from Demarai Gray, Jacob Murphy and a Lewis Baker penalty.
That win booked England’s place in the semi-finals where they went on to face Germany in Tychy and drawing 2-2, only to lose on penalties to the eventual tournament champions.
The trip to Ashton Gate will be the first time the U21s have played in Bristol since they had a game with Uzbekistan in August 2010, when Stuart Pearce’s side won 2-0 following goals from Martin Kelly and Danny Rose.
And the second game sees a quick return to the South Coast for the U21s too, as they played their first home qualifier for the current campaign at the same venue in September 2017 when they beat Latvia by 3-0 thanks to goals from Gray, Tammy Abraham and Kasey Palmer.
“These matches will be really good tests for us against very tough opposition,” said Boothroyd.
“The games will allow us the chance to get a gauge of two teams that we may face in the Finals, as both have qualified for the Euros.
“It’s also a chance for us to look at new players, try new formations and continue the progress that we have been making.
“We’re grateful to both AFC Bournemouth, Bristol City and Ashton Gate for allowing us to play in their stadiums.
“Having been in both before, I know what special atmospheres they can create. We’re looking forward to showcasing some of our best young players and having two good games in front of big, supportive crowds.”
Tickets are on sale now for both matches priced £1 for U16s and £10 for adults in an early-bird offer which runs until 24 February (standard adult ticket £15). Group booking, charter standard and concession discounts also apply.
Tickets for the Poland game can be purchased online, by calling 0117 963 0600 or in person at the stadium box office in Bristol.
Tickets for the Germany game at AFC Bournemouth are now SOLD OUT.
