Nwaneri helps England U21 seal Euros qualification as Jobe Bellingham returns to Dortmund early

Borussia Dortmund's Ethan Nwaneri started and played 70 minutes as England U21 secured qualification for the 2027 European Championship following a goalless draw against Slovakia in Stoke. The single point confirmed England's place in the tournament, making them the fourth nation to qualify alongside Croatia, Norway, and Portugal. Meanwhile, his Dortmund teammate Jobe Bellingham was granted permission to return to his club early.

England manager Lee Carsley included Köln center-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey in the squad for the first time, though he remained an unused substitute ahead of the final qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. Kaiserslautern midfielder Mario Sauer captained Slovakia U21 to the draw.