Curtis Jones to start up front for England U21 against Croatia

Curtis Jones to start UP FRONT for England U21 against Croatia with injuries causing a striker crisis – as manager Lee Carsley prepares for talks with Folarin Balogun over his international future

  • Cameron Archer is England’s only recognised striker after Balogun’s injury
  • Jones came off the bench to play up front and score in the 4-0 win over France
  • Carsley is set to travel to France for talks with Balogun after the Croatia game

Curtis Jones is primed to start up front for England’s Under 21s on Tuesday, with Lee Carsley set for talks with Folarin Balogun over his international future.

Balogun pulled out of the final camp before the summer European Championship through injury, with the United States keen on the Arsenal striker, on loan at Reims, pledging his allegiance to them.

It left Carsley with only Cameron Archer as a recognised striker, with Jones coming off the bench in a central role during Saturday’s 4-0 victory over France, scoring his side’s third goal.

The Liverpool midfielder will occupy that position against Croatia at Craven Cottage tomorrow in what could prove a dress rehearsal for the Euros.

‘I’ve not spoken to Flo since last Monday, but I will go out to France when we finish up and have a chat to him,’ Carsley said.

Curtis Jones is set to start up front for England’s U21 side in their game against Croatia

Folarin Balogun, who pulled out through injury, is set for talks over his international future

‘We have to be creative. Curtis has got real good attributes. He causes a lot of problems when he does drop deep.’

England should be heading into the tournament on a high, Jacob Ramsey revealing that the squad surprised themselves by beating all of Italy, Germany and France in their last three games.

Ramsey also believes a strong showing in Georgia is dependant on the group’s mentality.

‘If we go into the tournament this summer and the people on the bench are not sulking and want to prove a point, it will help us,’ the Aston Villa midfielder said.

‘I think the main focus for this summer is to get everyone there who wants to be there and wants to play for England.’

England U21 manager Lee Carsley has said he is going to travel to France to speak with Bologun

Jacob Ramsey believes England mentality is key going into the Euros in the summer


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