#U21EURO Friday: Sweden v England, Poland v Slovakia
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Article summary
The U21 EURO starts on Friday with Sweden taking on England and hosts Poland up against Slovakia. Here's your one-stop shop for all you need to know about the opening fixtures.
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How can I follow the games on UEFA.com?
UEFA.com will have reporters on the ground at both of Friday's Group A fixtures, with live analysis, photos, minute-by-minute commentary and reaction in the build-up, during the game and after full time. There will also be extensive coverage on Twitter (@UEFAUnder21), Facebook (@under21) and Instagram (UEFA.com).
Follow here: Sweden v England (kick-off 18:00CET)
Follow here: Poland v Slovakia (kick-off: 20:45CET)
SWEDEN V ENGLAND
When and where?
The first game of the tournament kicks off at 18:00CET on Friday and takes place at Kielce Stadium in south central Poland, home of Polish First Division side Korona Kielce.
Knowledge to impress your friends
The last time these teams met, in the 2015 group stage, England won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard. One of the Sweden defenders that day was Victor Lindelöf, who completed a move to Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Who said what?
Håkan Ericson, Sweden coach: England are a fantastic side with great individuals and good organisation. We have our ideas on how to beat them, but we also need to adjust the gameplan during the match as they are a strong side.
Aidy Boothroyd, England manager: We are in good shape, very excited. We have to play our own game and not be influenced by how many supporters are here. The Swedes are very loud and get behind their team but the game is being decided on the pitch.
How did the teams qualify?
Sweden: Group 6 winners (P10 W7 D3 L0 F24 A7)
England: Group 9 winners (P8 W6 D2 L0 F20 A3)
How can I watch the game?
In Sweden: Discovery
In England: Sky UK
The full list of broadcast partners is available here. Games will also be streamed live on UEFA.com and UEFA.tv in some territories.
POLAND V SLOVAKIA
When and where?
With the hosts in action, this is considered the official tournament opener despite the fact it kicks off second, at 20:45CET. It is being played at Lublin Stadium – the home of Polish third division side Motor Lublin – in south-east Poland.
Knowledge to impress your friends
Poland qualified as hosts and are in their first U21 finals since 1994; Slovakia's sole previous appearance came in 2000, on home soil, when they finished fourth.
Who said what?
Marcin Dorna, Poland coach: It's difficult to find a favourite for games like this. There are too many factors that can decide who wins or loses. We have analysed them, we have highlighted some weaknesses, and we know what we need to look out for.
Pavel Hapal, Slovakia coach: We're set up to win – that's our first thought – but of course we'll see how the game goes, and if it doesn't look good, we would be happy with a point. But we want to win.
How did the teams qualify?
Poland: hosts
Slovakia: Group 8 winners (P8 W6 D1 L1 F21 A6)
How can I watch the game?
In Poland: Polsat
In Slovakia: Markiza
The full list of broadcast partners is available here. Games will also be streamed live on UEFA.com and UEFA.tv in some territories.