Ireland have been drawn with England in U21 Euro Qualifiers

After coming so close on the last two qualifying campaigns to a historic first tournament at U21 level manager Jim Crawford will hope it is third time lucky for the young Boys in Green. And after the draw in Nyon, Switzerland this morning Ireland now know their faith for the 2027 European Championships in Albania/Serbia after they were drawn in Group D.

With fixtures and dates to be agreed yet we do know that Ireland have been put in a group containing top seeds England, so once again Lee Carsley will have to face the old country! The group would appear fair beyond the auld enemy, but at the very least England’s presence will add plenty of spice to this campaign and ensure bumper crowds.

The nine group winners and the runner-up with the best record against the top five in their group qualify directly for the final tournament.

Group D

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England

🇮🇪 Ireland

🇸🇰 Slovakia

🇲🇩 Moldova

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

🇦🇩 Andorra

Qualifying Group Stage

▪ 17–25 March 2025
▪ 2–10 June 2025
▪ 1–9 September 2025
▪ 6–14 October 2025
▪ 10–18 November 2025
▪ 23–31 March 2026
▪ 21 September–6 October 2026

Ireland and England U21 managers Jim Crawford and Lee Carsley speak at a friendly game last year when the Ireland U21s took on England U20s.