Slim Thug and England national under-21 football team: Difference between pages

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{{European national under-21 football team
{{Infobox musical artist
|Name = Slim Thug
| Name = England Under-21
| Badge =
|Img = SlimThug.jpg
| Nickname = Young Lions
|Img_capt =Slim Thug at the KDHT studio.
| Association = [[The Football Association]]
|Background = solo_singer
| Coach = {{flagicon|England}} [[Stuart Pearce]] ([[2007]]-)
|Birth_name = Stayve Jerome Thomas
| Captain = [[Steven Taylor (footballer)|Steven Taylor]]
|Origin = [[Houston]], [[Texas]]
| Most caps = [[James Milner]] (39)
|Genre = [[hip hop music|Hip Hop]], [[Southern Rap]]
| Top scorer = [[Alan Shearer]] &<br>[[Francis Jeffers]] (13)
|Years_active = 1998-present
| pattern_la1=_eng07|pattern_b1=_eng07|pattern_ra1=_eng07
|Label = [[Koch]]<br/>[[Boss Hogg Outlawz]]<br />
| leftarm1=FFFFFF|body1=FFFFFF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=000030|socks1=FFFFFF
|Associated_acts = Boyz N Blue<br /> Boss Hogg Outlawz
| pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=_engaway08a|pattern_ra2=
|URL = [http://www.slimthugthaboss.com Slim Thug Tha Boss]
| leftarm2=d92a31|body2=d92a31|rightarm2=d92a31|shorts2=FFFFFF|socks2=d92a31
| First game = England U-21 0-0 [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales U-21]]<br />([[Molineux stadium|Molineux]], [[Wolverhampton]]; [[December 15]][[1976]])
| Largest win = England U-21 8-1 [[Finland national under-21 football team|Finland U-21]]<br/>([[Boothferry Park]], [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]]; [[October 12]][[1977]])
| Largest loss = [[Romania national under-21 football team|Romania U-21]] 4-0 England U-21<br/>([[Ploieşti]], [[Romania]]; [[October 14]], [[1980]]) <br/>&<br/>England U-21 0-4 [[Spain national under-21 football team|Spain U-21]]<br />([[St Andrews (stadium)|St Andrews]], [[Birmingham]]; [[February 27]][[2001]])<br />
| UEFAu21Champ apps = 10
| UEFAu21Champ first = [[1978 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1978]]
| UEFAu21Champ best = Winners [[1982 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1982]], [[1984 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1984]]}}
'''England's national Under-21 football team''', also known as [[England]] Under-21s or England U21(s), is considered to be the feeder team for the [[England national football team]].

This team is for English players aged 21 or under at the start of a two-year [[European Under-21 Football Championship]] campaign, so players can be, and often are, up to 23 years old. Also in existence are teams for Under-20s (for non-UEFA tournaments), Under-19s and Under 17s. As long as they are eligible, players can play at any level, making it possible to play for the U21s, senior side and again for the U21s, as [[Aaron Lennon]], [[Micah Richards]] and [[Theo Walcott]] have done recently. It is also possible to play for one country at youth level and another at senior level (providing the player is eligible). [[Nigel Quashie]] is a current [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] international and former England U21 player.

The U-21 team came into existence, following the realignment of [[UEFA]]'s youth competitions, in 1976. A goalless draw in a [[Friendly match|friendly]] against [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]] at [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolves']] [[Molineux stadium|Molineux Stadium]] was England U21s' first result.

England U21s do not have a permanent home. They play in stadia dotted all around England, in an attempt to encourage younger fans in all areas of the country to get behind England. Because of the smaller demand compared to the senior national team, smaller grounds can be used. The record attendance for an England U21 match was set on [[March 24]] [[2007]], when England U21 played Italy U21 in front of a crowd of just under 60,000 at the brand new [[Wembley Stadium]], also a world record attendance for a U21 game. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6490655.stm BBC News - Wembley opener attracts thousands]</ref> The match was one of the required two "ramp up" events the stadium hosted in order to gain its safety certificate in time for its full-capacity opening for the 2007 [[FA Cup Final]] in May.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6441299.stm BBC News - Wembley game 'sold out' in hours]</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6505159,00.html The Guardian - Early set-back on Wembley's big day]</ref>

== Competition History ==
{{main|England's European Under-21 Football Championship Record}}
{| class=wikitable align=left
|-
! Year !! Progress
|-
|[[1978 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1978]] || Semi Final
|-
|[[1980 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1980]] || Semi Final
|-
|[[1982 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1982]] || '''Champions'''
|-
|[[1984 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1984]] || '''Champions'''
|-
|[[1986 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1986]] || Semi Final
|-
|[[1988 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1988]] || Semi Final
|-
|[[1990 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1990]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[1992 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1992]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[1994 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1994]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[1996 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1996]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[1998 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|1998]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[2000 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|2000]] || Group Stage
|-
|[[2002 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|2002]] || Group Stage
|-
|[[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|2004]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|2006]] || Failed to qualify
|-
|[[2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|2007]] || Semi Final
|-
|[[2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|2009]] || Qualification in progress
|}
As a European U21 team, England compete for the [[European Under-21 Football Championship|European Championship]], with the finals every odd-numbered year, formerly even-numbered years. There is no Under-21 World Cup, although there is an [[FIFA U-20 World Cup|Under-20 World Cup]]. For the first six (1978-1988) European Under-21 Football Championships, England did well, getting knocked out in the semi-finals on four occasions and winning the competition in [[UEFA U-21 Championship 1982|1982]] and [[UEFA U-21 Championship 1984|1984]]. Then, as one might expect with a rapid turnover of players, followed a lean period.

After losing to [[France national under-21 football team|France]] in the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 1988|1988]] semi final, England then failed to qualify for the last eight for five whole campaigns. In the qualifying stages for the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 1998|1998]] tournament, England won their group, but fate was not on their side. Because there were nine groups, and only eight places, the two group-winning nations with worst records had to play-off to eliminate one of them. England lost the away leg of this extra qualifying round and were eliminated on [[away goals rule|away goals]] to [[Greece national under-21 football team|Greece]]. In effect, England finished ninth in the competition despite losing only one of their ten matches.

England qualified for the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 2000|2000]] finals comfortably. Under the [[1996]]-appointed [[Peter John Taylor|Peter Taylor]] England won every match without conceding a goal. But with 3 matches to play, Taylor was replaced in a controversial manner by [[Howard Wilkinson]], who won the next two matches. The three goals conceded in the 3-1 defeat to group runners-up [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]] were the only blemish on the team's qualifying record. England got knocked out in the group stage of the European Championship finals in 2000 under Wilkinson.

After enlisting former international star [[David Platt (footballer)|David Platt]] as manager, England qualified for the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 2002|2002]] tournament in [[Switzerland]]. Again England did poorly in the group stage. Platt's England failed to qualify for the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 2004|2004]] tournament and he was replaced by the returning Peter Taylor. Taylor's England qualified from the group but lost to a strong [[France national under-21 football team|France]] team in a two-legged playoff and failed to qualify for the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 2006|2006]] tournament.

The next campaign started shortly after the 2006 finals - the qualification stage of the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 2007|2007 competition]]. UEFA decided to shift the tournament forward to avoid a clash with senior tournaments taking place in even-numbered years. The qualification stage was heavily reduced, being completed in a year's less time. In a 3-team qualification group, England qualified over [[Switzerland national under-21 football team|Switzerland]] and [[Moldova national under-21 football team|Moldova]], and then won a two-legged play-off with [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany]] to qualify for the finals to be held in the [[Netherlands]]. At the tournament, England progressed through to the semi-finals where they led for the majority of the match against the hosts. However, after a late equaliser and a marathon penalty shootout, England were eliminated.

'''Note:''' The year of the tournament represents the year in which it ends.

==Coaching Staff==
===Head coach===
{| class=wikitable align=left
! Tenure !! Head Coach/Manager
|-
| 1977-1990|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Dave Sexton]]
|-
| 1990-1993|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Lawrie McMenemy]]
|-
| 1994-1996|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Dave Sexton]]
|-
| 1996-1999|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Peter John Taylor|Peter Taylor]]
|-
| 1999 || {{flagicon|England}} [[Peter Reid]]
|-
| 1999-2001|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Howard Wilkinson]]
|-
| 2001-2004|| {{flagicon|England}} [[David Platt (footballer)|David Platt]]
|-
| 2004-2007|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Peter Taylor]]
|-
| 2007- || {{flagicon|England}} [[Stuart Pearce]]
|}
The original and most successful coach is [[Dave Sexton]], who led the U21s from 1977 to 1990. In this period he combined his duties with managing the top-flight clubs [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] (1977-1981) and [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] (1981-1983). After Coventry he took a position within the FA as their first Technical Director, at Lilleshall. He handed over U21 responsibilities to England manager [[Graham Taylor]]'s assistant [[Lawrie McMenemy]] for three years before resuming control from 1994 to 1996.

[[Peter Taylor (footballer born 1953)|Peter Taylor]] took over in 1996, and although never winning the tournament, his teams had an excellent record. [[Howard Wilkinson]] took over in 1999 yet could only produce four wins in ten competitive matches and was sacked. [[David Platt (footballer)|David Platt]] was in charge from 2001 to 2004, but had little success before Taylor's return. Taylor left in January 2007, as the senior national manager [[Steve McClaren]] wanted the U21s to have a full-time manager. Taylor, at the time was combining his duties with his role as [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] boss.

On [[1 February]][[2007]], [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] manager [[Stuart Pearce]] was appointed as head coach on a part-time basis until after the [[UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|European Championships]] in the summer of 2007. [[Nigel Pearson]], [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]'s assistant manager, agreed to become Pearce's assistant. Their first match in charge was a 2-2 draw against [[Spain national under-21 football team|Spain]] on [[6 February]] [[2007]] at [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]'s [[Pride Park Stadium]].

For the match against [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]] Nigel Pearson took charge as Stuart Pearce had club commitments. [[Steve Wigley]] assisted Pearson.

Pearce was dismissed as Manchester City manager on [[May 14]][[2007]], before the 2007 European Championships, but on [[19 July]][[2007]] he was named full-time U21s coach. His contract runs until the summer of 2009.<ref>{{cite web | title=Pearce named England U21 manager | work=BBC Sport | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6906465.stm | accessdate=July 17 | accessyear=2007 }}</ref>

{{clear}}

===Other staff===
{|
|-
|'''Assistant Coach'''|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Nigel Pearson]]
|-
|'''Coach'''|| {{flagicon|England}} [[Steve Wigley]]
|-
|rowspan = 2 valign=top |'''Goalkeeping Coaches'''|| {{flagicon|Wales}} [[Martin Thomas (footballer)|Martin Thomas]]
|-
| {{flagicon|England}} [[Eric Steele]]
|-
|rowspan = 2 valign=top |'''Physiotherapists'''|| {{flagicon|England}} Dave Galley
|-
| {{flagicon|England}} Mike Healy
|-
|'''Doctor'''|| {{flagicon|England}} Dr. Mark Waller
|-
|'''Masseur'''|| {{flagicon|England}} Paul Small
|-
|'''Exercise Scientist'''|| {{flagicon|England}} Gary Phillips
|-
|'''Video Analyst'''|| {{flagicon|England}} Steve O'Brien
|-
|'''Kit Manager'''|| {{flagicon|England}} Mark Simkin
|}

==Players==
=== Most Appearances - Top Ten ===
Because of the age restriction, a player can't be in the team for very long and the most promising young players spend little time, if any, with the U-21s before winning senior [[Cap (football)|caps]]. [[James Milner]] currently holds the record for the most England Under-21 caps.

{| class="wikitable" cellpadding=5 width=60%
|-
! width = 15% | Rank
! width = 30% | Player
! width = 40% | Club(s)
! width = 15% | U-21 Caps
|-
|align=center|'''{{0}}1'''||'''[[James Milner]]'''||[[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]], [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]||align=center|39
|-
|align=center|'''=2'''||[[Scott Carson]]||[[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]], [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]||align=center|29
|-
|align=center|'''=2'''||'''[[Tom Huddlestone]]'''||[[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]], [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]||align=center |29
|-
|align=center|'''=4'''||[[Jamie Carragher]]||[[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]||align=center|27
|-
|align=center|'''=4'''||[[Gareth Barry]]||[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]||align=center|27
|-
|align=center|'''=4'''||'''[[Steven Taylor (footballer)|Steven Taylor]]'''||[[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]||align=center|27
|-
|align=center|'''7'''||[[David Prutton]]||[[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Leeds United,Nottingham Forest]], [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]||align=center|25
|-
|align=center|'''{{0}}8''' ||[[Jermaine Pennant]]||[[Leeds United, Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]||align=center|24
|-
|align=center|'''=9''' ||[[Jermain Defoe]]||[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]||align=center|23
|-
|align=center|'''=9''' ||[[Nigel Reo-Coker]]||[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]||align=center|23
|-
|}

'''Note:''' ''Club(s)'' represents the permanent clubs during the player's time in the Under-21s. Those players in '''bold''' are still eligible to play for the team at the moment.

''Statistics up to and including Wales vs England [[October 10]], [[2008]].''

=== Most Goals - Top Ten ===
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding=5 width=60%
|-
! width = 15% | Rank
! width = 30% | Player
! width = 40% | Club(s)
! width = 15% | U-21 Goals
|-
|align=center|'''=1'''||[[Alan Shearer]]||[[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]||align=center|13
|-
|align=center|'''=1'''||[[Francis Jeffers]]||[[Everton F.C.|Everton]], [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]||align=center|13
|-
|align=center|'''=3'''||[[Frank Lampard]]||[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]||align=center|9
|-
|align=center|'''=3'''||[[Darren Bent]]||[[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]], [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]]||align=center|9
|-
|align=center|'''=5'''||[[Mark Hateley]]||[[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]], [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]]||align=center|8
|-
|align=center|'''=5'''||[[Carl Cort]]||[[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]]||align=center|8
|-
|align=center|'''=5'''||'''[[James Milner]]'''||[[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]||align=center|8
|-
|align=center|'''=8'''||[[Mark Robins]]||[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]||align=center|7
|-
|align=center|'''=8'''||[[Shola Ameobi]]||[[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]||align=center|7
|-
|align=center|'''=8'''||[[Jermain Defoe]]||[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]||align=center|7
|-
|}

'''Note:''' ''Club(s)'' represents the permanent clubs during the player's time in the Under-21s.
Those players in '''bold''' are still eligible to play for the team at the moment.

''Statistics up to and including Wales vs England [[October 10]], [[2008]].''

=== Current players ===
Currently eligible players who have won caps or received call-ups to the squad.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Current Squad <!--Latest-squad number / No Call / Injured --->
!Player
!Position
!Date of birth and age
!Caps
!Goals
!Club
!Last cap
|-
|align=center|{{0}}1||''{{sortname|Joe|Hart}}''||align=center|GK||{{Dts|1987|4|19}} ({{age|1987|4|19}})||align=center|12||align=center|0||[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}2||{{sortname|Martin|Cranie}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1986|9|23}} ({{age|1986|9|23}})||align=center|6||align=center|0||[[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}3||{{sortname|Andrew|Taylor|Andrew Taylor (footballer born 1986)}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1986|8|1}} ({{age|1986|8|1}})||align=center|7||align=center|0||[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}4||{{sortname|Lee|Cattermole}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1988|3|21}} ({{age|1988|3|21}})||align=center|3||align=center|0||[[Wigan F.C.|Wigan]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}5||{{sortname|Michael|Mancienne}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1988|1|8}} ({{age|1988|1|8}})||align=center|4||align=center|0||[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}6||{{sortname|David|Wheater}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1987|2|14}} ({{age|1987|2|14}})||align=center|6||align=center|0||[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}7||''{{sortname|Theo|Walcott}}''||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1989|March|16}} ({{age|1989|3|16}})||align=center|15||align=center|6||[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}8||{{sortname|Tom|Huddlestone}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|12|28}} ({{age|1986|12|28}})||align=center|26||align=center|3||[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|{{0}}9||{{sortname|Gabriel|Agbonlahor}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1986|10|6}} ({{age|1986|10|6}})||align=center|10||align=center|2||[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|10||{{sortname|Grant|Leadbitter}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|1|7}} ({{age|1986|1|7}})||align=center|3||align=center|0||[[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|11||{{sortname|Adam|Johnson|Adam Johnson (footballer)}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1987|7|14}} ({{age|1987|7|14}})||align=center|7||align=center|1||[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|12||{{sortname|Ryan|Shawcross}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1987|10|4}} ({{age|1987|10|4}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|13||{{sortname|Joe|Lewis|Joe Lewis (footballer)}}||align=center|GK||{{Dts|1987|10|6}} ({{age|1987|10|6}})||align=center|2||align=center|0||[[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|14||{{sortname|Scott|Dann}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1987|2|14}} ({{age|1987|2|14}})||align=center|2||align=center|0||[[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|15||{{sortname|Fabrice|Muamba}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1988|4|6}} ({{age|1988|4|6}})||align=center|8||align=center|0||[[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|16||{{sortname|Jamie|O'Hara|Jamie O'Hara (footballer)}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|9|25}} ({{age|1986|9|25}})||align=center|2||align=center|0||[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|17||{{sortname|Dexter|Blackstock}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1986|5|20}} ({{age|1986|5|20}})||align=center|2||align=center|0||[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]||{{Dts|2008|May|15}} v [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales]], friendly
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Tom|Heaton}}||align=center|GK||{{Dts|1986|4|15}} ({{age|1986|4|15}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] <small>(loaned from [[Manchester United F.C.|Man. United]])</small>||{{Dts|2008|March|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Matthew|Connolly}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1987|9|24}} ({{age|1987|9|24}})||align=center|0||align=center|0||[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]||Uncapped
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Daniel|Fox|Daniel Fox (footballer)}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1986|5|29}} ({{age|1986|5|29}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]]||{{Dts|2008|March|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Michael|Johnson|Michael Johnson (footballer born 1988)}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1988|2|24}} ({{age|1988|2|24}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]||{{Dts|2007|8|21}} v [[Romania national under-21 football team|Romania]], friendly
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Michael|Kightly}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|1|24}} ({{age|1986|1|24}})||align=center|3||align=center|0||[[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]||{{Dts|2007|10|12}} v [[Montenegro national under-21 football team|Montenegro]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Mark|Noble}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1987|5|8}} ({{age|1987|5|8}})||align=center|10||align=center|3||[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|Unused sub||{{sortname|Fraizer|Campbell}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1987|9|13}} ({{age|1987|9|13}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] <small>(loaned from [[Manchester United F.C.|Man. United]])</small>||{{Dts|2008|3|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Ben|Alnwick}}||align=center|GK||{{Dts|1987|1|1}} ({{age|1987|1|1}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]||{{Dts|2007|8|21}} v [[Romania national under-21 football team|Romania]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Billy|Jones|Billy Jones (footballer born 1987)}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1987|3|24}} ({{age|1987|3|24}})||align=center|0||align=center|0||[[Preston North End|Preston North End]]||Uncapped
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Joseph|Mattock}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1990|5|15}} ({{age|1990|5|15}})||align=center|4||align=center|0||[[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Nedum|Onuoha}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1986|11|12}} ({{age|1986|11|12}})||align=center|14||align=center|1||[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]||{{Dts|2008|3|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||''{{sortname|Micah|Richards}}''||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1988|6|24}} ({{age|1988|6|24}})||align=center|3||align=center|0||[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]||{{Dts|2006|10|10}} v [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany]], play-off
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Richard|Stearman}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1987|8|19}} ({{age|1987|8|19}})||align=center|0||align=center|0||[[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]||Uncapped
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Steven|Taylor|Steven Taylor (footballer)}}||align=center|DF||{{Dts|1986|1|23}} ({{age|1986|1|23}})||align=center|25||align=center|4||[[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Craig|Gardner}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|11|25}} ({{age|1986|11|25}})||align=center|6||align=center|0||[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||''{{sortname|Aaron|Lennon}}''||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1987|4|16}} ({{age|1987|4|16}})||align=center|3||align=center|0||[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|James|Milner}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|1|4}} ({{age|1986|1|4}})||align=center|35||align=center|6||[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Tom|Soares}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|7|10}} ({{age|1986|7|10}})||align=center|4||align=center|0||[[Stoke City]]||{{Dts|2006|2|28}} v [[Norway national under-21 football team|Norway]], friendly
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Andrew|Surman}}||align=center|MF||{{Dts|1986|8|20}} ({{age|1986|8|20}})||align=center|4||align=center|1||[[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]||{{Dts|2008|2|5}} v [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||''{{sortname|Matt|Derbyshire}}''||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1986|4|14}} ({{age|1986|4|14}})||align=center|11||align=center|4||[[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]||{{Dts|2008|3|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Cameron|Jerome}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1986|10|14}} ({{age|1986|10|14}})||align=center|10||align=center|0||[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]||{{Dts|2008|3|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Ishmael|Miller}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1987|3|5}} ({{age|1987|3|5}})||align=center|0||align=center|0||[[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]||Uncapped
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|Luke|Moore}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1986|2|13}} ({{age|1986|2|13}})||align=center|5||align=center|1||[[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]||{{Dts|2008|3|25}} v [[Poland national under-21 football team|Poland]], qualifier
|-
|align=center|No call||{{sortname|James|Vaughan|James Vaughan (footballer born 1988)}}||align=center|FW||{{Dts|1988|7|14}} ({{age|1988|7|14}})||align=center|1||align=center|0||[[Everton F.C.|Everton]]||{{Dts|2007|6|14}} v [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]], finals
|}

'''Note:''' Names in ''italics'' denote players that have been capped for the Senior team
''Statistics up to and including Wales vs England [[May 15]][[2008]].''

== Recent results and forthcoming fixtures==
===2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Qualification Group 3===
{{main|2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Qualification Group 3}}
====Current table====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!width="175"|Team
!width="20"|Pld
!width="20"|W
!width="20"|D
!width="20"|L
!width="20"|GF
!width="20"|GA
!width="20"|GD
!width="20"|Pts
|- bgcolor="#ccffcc"
|align=left|{{fbu|21|ENG}}
|8||7||1||0||17||1||+16||'''22'''
|- bgcolor="#ffcccc"
|align="left"|{{fbu|21|POR}}
|8||4||2||2||13||7||+6||'''14'''
|- bgcolor="#ffcccc"
|align="left"|{{fbu|21|MNE}}
|8||2||2||4||5||12||&minus;7||'''8'''
|- bgcolor="#ffcccc"
|align="left"|{{fbu|21|BUL}}
|8||2||1||5||4||9||&minus;5||'''7'''
|- bgcolor="#ffcccc"
|align="left"|{{fbu|21|IRL}}
|8||1||2||5||4||14||&minus;10||'''5'''
|}

<small>'''Key:'''
'''Pts''' Points, '''Pld''' Matches played, '''W''' Won, '''D''' Drawn, '''L''' Lost, '''GF''' Goals for, '''GA''' Goals against, '''GD''' Goal Difference</small>

===Matches===
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-06-05]]
|time = 17:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|BUL}}
|score = 1 – 2
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300333/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|MNE}}
|goals1 = [[Janko Simovic|Simovic]] {{goal|90+1|o.g.}}
|goals2 = [[Simon Vukčević|Vukčević]] {{goal|50}}<br />[[Stevan Jovetić|Jovetić]] {{goal|66}}
|stadium = [[Balgarska Armiya Stadium|Balgarska Armiya]], [[Sofia]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Petteri Kari]] ([[Football Association of Finland|Finland]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-09-07]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|IRL}}
|score = 0 – 2
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300325/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|POR}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 = [[Paulo Machado|Machado]] {{goal|7}}<br />[[Miguel Veloso|Veloso]] {{goal|54}}
|stadium = [[Turners Cross (stadium)|Turners Cross]], [[Cork (city)|Cork]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Manuel Gräfe]] ([[German Football Association|Germany]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-09-07]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|MNE}}
|score = 0 – 3
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300317/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 = [[Nedum Onuoha|Onuoha]] {{goal|6}}<br />[[Gabriel Agbonlahor|Agbonlahor]] {{goal|10}}<br />[[Andrew Surman|Surman]] {{goal|90}}
|stadium = [[Podgorica City Stadium]], [[Podgorica]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Mechalis Germanakos]] ([[Hellenic Football Federation|Greece]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-09-11]]
|time = 18:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|BUL}}
|score = 0 – 2
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300327/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 = [[Tom Huddlestone|Huddlestone]] {{goal|25}}<br />[[Mark Noble (footballer)|Noble]] {{goal|32}}
|stadium = [[Balgarska Armiya Stadium|Balgarska Armiya]], [[Sofia]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Fredy Fautrel]] ([[French Football Federation|France]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-09-11]]
|time = 22:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|POR}}
|score = 4 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300340/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|MNE}}
|goals1 = [[João Moreira|Moreira]] {{goal|18}}<br />[[Nuno Coelho|Coelho]] {{goal|53}}<br />[[Manuel Fernandes (footballer born 1986)|Fernandes]] {{goal|66}} {{goal|89}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[CTFD PortoGaia]], [[Portugal]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Jan Jilek]] ([[Football Association of the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-10-12]]
|time = 17:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|BUL}}
|score = 1 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300324/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|POR}}
|goals1 = [[Valeri Domovchiyski|Domovchiyski]] {{goal|43|pen.}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Vasil Levski National Stadium]], [[Sofia]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Meir Levi]] ([[Israel Football Association|Israel]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-10-12]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|ENG}}
|score = 1 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300331/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|MNE}}
|goals1 = [[Matthew Derbyshire|Derbyshire]] {{goal|20}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Walkers Stadium]], [[Leicester]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Anders Hermansen]] ([[Danish Football Association|Denmark]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-10-16]]
|time = 19:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|MNE}}
|score = 1 – 2
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300326/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|POR}}
|goals1 = [[João Moreira|Moreira]] {{goal|34|o.g.}}
|goals2 = [[Pedro Celestino Silva Soares|Soares]] {{goal|76}}<br />[[Tiago Targino|Targino]] {{goal|80}}
|stadium = [[Podgorica City Stadium]], [[Podgorica]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Joseph Attard]] ([[Malta Football Association|Malta]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-10-16]]
|time = 21:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|IRL}}
|score = 0 – 3
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300328/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 = [[Mark Noble (footballer)|Noble]] {{goal|10}} {{goal|17}}<br />[[James Milner|Milner]] {{goal|26}}
|stadium = [[Turners Cross (stadium)|Turners Cross]], [[Cork (city)|Cork]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Andrea De Marco]] ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-11-16]]
|time = 15:30 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|MNE}}
|score = 1 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300320/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|IRL}}
|goals1 = [[Goran Vujović|Vujović]] {{goal|18}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Podgorica City Stadium]], [[Podgorica]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Fariz Yusifov]] ([[Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-11-16]]
|time = 19:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|ENG}}
|score = 2 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300329/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|BUL}}
|goals1 = [[Gabriel Agbonlahor|Agbonlahor]] {{goal|41}}<br />[[James Milner|Milner]] {{goal|82|pen.}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[stadium:mk]], [[Milton Keynes]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Luc Wouters]] ([[Royal Belgian Football Association|Belgium]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-11-20]]
|time = 20:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|IRL}}
|score = 1 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300318/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|BUL}}
|goals1 = [[John-Joe O'Toole|O'Toole]] {{goal|90+3}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Lissywoollen Stadium]], [[Athlone]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Jérôme Laperrière]] ([[Swiss Football Association|Switzerland]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2007-11-20]]
|time = 22:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|POR}}
|score = 1 – 1
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300337/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|goals1 = [[Paulo Machado|Machado]] {{goal|3|pen.}}
|goals2 = [[Adam Johnson (footballer)|Johnson]] {{goal|49}}
|stadium = [[Estádio Municipal de Águeda]], [[Agueda]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Istvan Vad]] ([[Hungarian Football Federation|Hungary]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-02-05]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|ENG}}
|score = 3 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300330/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|IRL}}
|goals1 = [[Stephen O'Halloran|O'Halloran]] {{goal|59|o.g.}}<br />[[James Milner|Milner]] {{goal|68}}<br />[[Theo Walcott|Walcott]] {{goal|78}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[St Mary's Stadium]], [[Southampton]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Jouni Hyytiä]] ([[Football Association of Finland|Finland]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-03-25]]
|time = 20:30 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|IRL}}
|score = 1 – 1
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300334/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|MNE}}
|goals1 = [[Andy Keogh|Keogh]] {{goal|72}}
|goals2 = [[Mijusko Bojovic|Bojovic]] {{goal|68}}
|stadium = [[Terryland Park]], [[Galway]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Yuriy Moseychuk]] ([[Football Federation of Ukraine|Ukraine]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-03-26]]
|time = 18:15 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|POR}}
|score = 2 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300338/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|BUL}}
|goals1 = [[João Moreira|Moreira]] {{goal|65}}<br />[[Carlos Saleiro|Saleiro]] {{goal|68}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Estádio D. Afonso Henriques]], [[Guimarães]]
|attendance =
|referee = }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-09-05]]
|time = 17:30 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|BUL}}
|score = 2 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300332/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|IRL}}
|goals1 = [[Atanas Kurdov|Kurdov]] {{goal|45}}<br />[[Momchil Tsvetanov|Tsvetanov]] {{goal|77}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Georgi Asparuhov Stadium]], [[Sofia]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Marco Borg]] ([[Malta Football Association|Malta]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-09-05]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|ENG}}
|score = 2 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300323/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|POR}}
|goals1 = [[James Milner|Milner]] {{goal|44|pen.}}<br />[[Gabriel Agbonlahor|Agbonlahor]] {{goal|63}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Wembley Stadium]], [[London]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Gianluca Rocchi]] ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-09-09]]
|time = 16:00 [[UTC+2]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|MNE}}
|score = 0 – 0
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300319/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|BUL}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Stadion Gradski (Nikšić)|Stadion Gradski]], [[Nikšić]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Svein-Erik Edvartsen]] ([[Football Association of Norway|Norway]]) }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-09-09]]
|time = 18:00 [[UTC+1]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|POR}}
|score = 2 – 2
|report = [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15084/match=300339/index.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbu|21|IRL}}
|goals1 = [[Ricardo Vaz Té|Vaz Té]] {{goal|38}} <br />[[Manuel Fernandes|Fernandes]] {{goal|45+}}
|goals2 = [[Owen Garvan|Garvan]] {{goal|50}} <br />[[Owen Garvan|Garvan]] {{goal|65}}
|stadium = [[Estádio dos Barreiros]], [[Funchal]]
|attendance =
|referee = [[Jérome Efong Nzolo]] ([[Royal Belgian Football Association|Belgium]]) }}
----

===Play-off===
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-10-09]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|WAL}}
|score = vs
|report =
|team2 = {{fbu-rt|21|ENG}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Ninian Park]], [[Cardiff]]
|attendance =
|referee = }}
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[2008-10-14]]
|time = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu-rt|21|ENG}}
|score = vs
|report =
|team2 = {{fbu-rt|21|WAL}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Villa Park]], [[Birmingham]]
|attendance =
|referee = }}

===Friendlies===
====Recent Friendlies====
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[August 21]][[2007]]<br />20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|score = 1 - 1
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ROU}}
|goals1 = [[Matthew Derbyshire|Derbyshire]] {{goal|8}}<br />
|goals2 = [[Bogdan Stancu|Stancu]] {{goal|25}}
|stadium = [[Ashton Gate stadium|Ashton Gate]], [[Bristol]]
|referee =
|report =
}}
}}
'''Slim Thug''' (born '''Stayve Jerome Thomas''' on [[September 8]], [[1980]] in [[Houston]], [[Texas]])<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2265540/bio Slim Thug - Biography (IMDB)]</ref> is an [[United States|American]] rapper. He gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the popular single from rapper [[Mike Jones]], “Still Tippin”. He began his career with [[Swishahouse]] in the late 90s. After realizing how much money he could make distributing his own [[mixtapes]], he parted ways with Swishahouse on good terms and formed his own independent label, [[Boss Hogg Outlawz]] (named after the Dukes of Hazzard character). Slim Thug has since worked with [[Interscope Records]] until [[August 3]], [[2008]], where he went to Koch Records.<ref>[http://www.hhworlds.com/forum/hip-hop/18943-08-03-08-slim-thug-off-interscope-preps-new-project.html "HHWorlds.com" - Slim Thug Off Interscope, Preps New Project (August 3, 2008)]</ref> Although nobody quite likes or respects him it is said he suckss mad penis and loves to get it in the ass by Portuguese Sailmen this nigger (Yes im KKK) is so gay and 50 cent is wayy better than this mother fucker he re-tired due to being hated and for being such a mother fucking loser


----
In 2008, Slim Thug appears on the single "How you like that" by Dallas rock/hip-hop group [[Big Red Rooster]]. <ref>http://www.dallasobserver.com/2008-03-06/music/big-red-rooster-psycho-blues-the-ropes-braker-lane/</ref> According to MTV.com, Lupe Fiasco's latest video "Hip Hop Saved My Life" was based on Slim Thugs life story. "It is based on Slim Thug," Lupe revealed. <ref>http://www.blogtoplist.com/rss/slim-thug.html</ref>
{{footballbox
|date = [[March 25]][[2008]]<br />20:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|score = 0 - 0
|team2 = {{fbu|21|POL}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[Molineux Stadium]], [[Wolverhampton]]
|referee = [[Kevin Blom]] {{flagicon|NED}}
|report =
}}


----
==Discography==
{{footballbox
{{main|Slim Thug discography}}
|date = [[May 15]][[2008]]<br />20.30 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
*2005: ''[[Already Platinum]]''
|team1 = {{fbu|21|WAL}}
*2007: ''[[Serve & Collect]]'' (with [[Boss Hogg Outlawz]])
|score = 0 - 2
*2008: ''[[Back by Blockular Demand: Serve & Collect II]]'' (with [[Boss Hogg Outlawz]])
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
*2008: ''[[Boss Of All Bosses (album)|Boss Of All Bosses]]''
|goals1 =
<!--
|goals2 = [[Tom Huddlestone|Huddlestone]] {{goal|19 [[penalty|pen]]}}<br>[[Theo Walcott|Walcott]] {{goal|25}}
|stadium =
|referee =
|report =
}}


----
Studio albums only - see [[Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Musicians/Article_guidelines#Discography_section_second_proposal]]
{{footballbox
|date = [[August 19]][[2008]]<br />20.45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|score = 2 - 1
|team2 = {{fbu|21|SLO}}
|goals1 = [[Micah Richards|Richards]] {{goal|25}}<br>[[James Milner|Milner]] {{goal|35}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = [[KC Stadium]], [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]]
|referee =
|report =
}}
----


====Future Friendlies====
Please place all other releases, including singles, in the [[Slim Thug discography]] article! Thanks.


-->
----
{{footballbox
|date = [[March 27]][[2009]]<br />
|team1 = {{fbu|21|NOR}}
|score = {{0}}
|team2 = {{fbu|21|ENG}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium =
|referee =
|report =
}}
----
ə


==References==
==References==

{{Reflist}}
{{reflist|2}}

== See also ==
* [[European Under-21 Football Championship]]
* [[England's European Under-21 Football Championship Record]]
* [[England national football team|England (Senior) team]]
* [[England national under-19 football team|England Under-19]]


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.slimthugthaboss.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.thefa.com/England/U21s Official FA England Under-21 website] Contains listings of current England U-21 players.
* [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/Under21 Uefa Under-21 website] Contains full results archive
* [http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/europe-u21.html The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation] Contains full record of U-21 Championship hosts and additional statistics, such as the Group Winners table for the 1998 qualifiers.


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Revision as of 22:01, 10 October 2008

England Under-21
Nickname(s)Young Lions
AssociationThe Football Association
Head coachEngland Stuart Pearce (2007-)
CaptainSteven Taylor
Most capsJames Milner (39)
Top scorerAlan Shearer &
Francis Jeffers (13)
First colours
Second colours
First international
England U-21 0-0 Wales U-21
(Molineux, Wolverhampton; December 151976)
Biggest win
England U-21 8-1 Finland U-21
(Boothferry Park, Hull; October 121977)
Biggest defeat
Romania U-21 4-0 England U-21
(Ploieşti, Romania; October 14, 1980)
&
England U-21 0-4 Spain U-21
(St Andrews, Birmingham; February 272001)
UEFA U-21 Championship
Appearances10 (first in 1978)
Best resultWinners 1982, 1984

England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21(s), is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team.

This team is for English players aged 21 or under at the start of a two-year European Under-21 Football Championship campaign, so players can be, and often are, up to 23 years old. Also in existence are teams for Under-20s (for non-UEFA tournaments), Under-19s and Under 17s. As long as they are eligible, players can play at any level, making it possible to play for the U21s, senior side and again for the U21s, as Aaron Lennon, Micah Richards and Theo Walcott have done recently. It is also possible to play for one country at youth level and another at senior level (providing the player is eligible). Nigel Quashie is a current Scotland international and former England U21 player.

The U-21 team came into existence, following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions, in 1976. A goalless draw in a friendly against Wales at Wolves' Molineux Stadium was England U21s' first result.

England U21s do not have a permanent home. They play in stadia dotted all around England, in an attempt to encourage younger fans in all areas of the country to get behind England. Because of the smaller demand compared to the senior national team, smaller grounds can be used. The record attendance for an England U21 match was set on March 24 2007, when England U21 played Italy U21 in front of a crowd of just under 60,000 at the brand new Wembley Stadium, also a world record attendance for a U21 game. [1] The match was one of the required two "ramp up" events the stadium hosted in order to gain its safety certificate in time for its full-capacity opening for the 2007 FA Cup Final in May.[2][3]

Competition History

Main article: England's European Under-21 Football Championship Record
Year Progress
1978 Semi Final
1980 Semi Final
1982 Champions
1984 Champions
1986 Semi Final
1988 Semi Final
1990 Failed to qualify
1992 Failed to qualify
1994 Failed to qualify
1996 Failed to qualify
1998 Failed to qualify
2000 Group Stage
2002 Group Stage
2004 Failed to qualify
2006 Failed to qualify
2007 Semi Final
2009 Qualification in progress

As a European U21 team, England compete for the European Championship, with the finals every odd-numbered year, formerly even-numbered years. There is no Under-21 World Cup, although there is an Under-20 World Cup. For the first six (1978-1988) European Under-21 Football Championships, England did well, getting knocked out in the semi-finals on four occasions and winning the competition in 1982 and 1984. Then, as one might expect with a rapid turnover of players, followed a lean period.

After losing to France in the 1988 semi final, England then failed to qualify for the last eight for five whole campaigns. In the qualifying stages for the 1998 tournament, England won their group, but fate was not on their side. Because there were nine groups, and only eight places, the two group-winning nations with worst records had to play-off to eliminate one of them. England lost the away leg of this extra qualifying round and were eliminated on away goals to Greece. In effect, England finished ninth in the competition despite losing only one of their ten matches.

England qualified for the 2000 finals comfortably. Under the 1996-appointed Peter Taylor England won every match without conceding a goal. But with 3 matches to play, Taylor was replaced in a controversial manner by Howard Wilkinson, who won the next two matches. The three goals conceded in the 3-1 defeat to group runners-up Poland were the only blemish on the team's qualifying record. England got knocked out in the group stage of the European Championship finals in 2000 under Wilkinson.

After enlisting former international star David Platt as manager, England qualified for the 2002 tournament in Switzerland. Again England did poorly in the group stage. Platt's England failed to qualify for the 2004 tournament and he was replaced by the returning Peter Taylor. Taylor's England qualified from the group but lost to a strong France team in a two-legged playoff and failed to qualify for the 2006 tournament.

The next campaign started shortly after the 2006 finals - the qualification stage of the 2007 competition. UEFA decided to shift the tournament forward to avoid a clash with senior tournaments taking place in even-numbered years. The qualification stage was heavily reduced, being completed in a year's less time. In a 3-team qualification group, England qualified over Switzerland and Moldova, and then won a two-legged play-off with Germany to qualify for the finals to be held in the Netherlands. At the tournament, England progressed through to the semi-finals where they led for the majority of the match against the hosts. However, after a late equaliser and a marathon penalty shootout, England were eliminated.

Note: The year of the tournament represents the year in which it ends.

Coaching Staff

Head coach

Tenure Head Coach/Manager
1977-1990 England Dave Sexton
1990-1993 England Lawrie McMenemy
1994-1996 England Dave Sexton
1996-1999 England Peter Taylor
1999 England Peter Reid
1999-2001 England Howard Wilkinson
2001-2004 England David Platt
2004-2007 England Peter Taylor
2007- England Stuart Pearce

The original and most successful coach is Dave Sexton, who led the U21s from 1977 to 1990. In this period he combined his duties with managing the top-flight clubs Manchester United (1977-1981) and Coventry City (1981-1983). After Coventry he took a position within the FA as their first Technical Director, at Lilleshall. He handed over U21 responsibilities to England manager Graham Taylor's assistant Lawrie McMenemy for three years before resuming control from 1994 to 1996.

Peter Taylor took over in 1996, and although never winning the tournament, his teams had an excellent record. Howard Wilkinson took over in 1999 yet could only produce four wins in ten competitive matches and was sacked. David Platt was in charge from 2001 to 2004, but had little success before Taylor's return. Taylor left in January 2007, as the senior national manager Steve McClaren wanted the U21s to have a full-time manager. Taylor, at the time was combining his duties with his role as Crystal Palace boss.

On 1 February2007, Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce was appointed as head coach on a part-time basis until after the European Championships in the summer of 2007. Nigel Pearson, Newcastle United's assistant manager, agreed to become Pearce's assistant. Their first match in charge was a 2-2 draw against Spain on 6 February 2007 at Derby County's Pride Park Stadium.

For the match against Italy Nigel Pearson took charge as Stuart Pearce had club commitments. Steve Wigley assisted Pearson.

Pearce was dismissed as Manchester City manager on May 142007, before the 2007 European Championships, but on 19 July2007 he was named full-time U21s coach. His contract runs until the summer of 2009.[4]

Other staff

Assistant Coach England Nigel Pearson
Coach England Steve Wigley
Goalkeeping Coaches Wales Martin Thomas
England Eric Steele
Physiotherapists England Dave Galley
England Mike Healy
Doctor England Dr. Mark Waller
Masseur England Paul Small
Exercise Scientist England Gary Phillips
Video Analyst England Steve O'Brien
Kit Manager England Mark Simkin

Players

Most Appearances - Top Ten

Because of the age restriction, a player can't be in the team for very long and the most promising young players spend little time, if any, with the U-21s before winning senior caps. James Milner currently holds the record for the most England Under-21 caps.

Rank Player Club(s) U-21 Caps
01 James Milner Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa 39
=2 Scott Carson Leeds United, Liverpool 29
=2 Tom Huddlestone Derby County, Tottenham Hotspur 29
=4 Jamie Carragher Liverpool 27
=4 Gareth Barry Aston Villa 27
=4 Steven Taylor Newcastle United 27
7 David Prutton Leeds United,Nottingham Forest, Southampton 25
08 Jermaine Pennant Arsenal 24
=9 Jermain Defoe West Ham United 23
=9 Nigel Reo-Coker West Ham United 23

Note: Club(s) represents the permanent clubs during the player's time in the Under-21s. Those players in bold are still eligible to play for the team at the moment.

Statistics up to and including Wales vs England October 10, 2008.

Most Goals - Top Ten

Rank Player Club(s) U-21 Goals
=1 Alan Shearer Southampton 13
=1 Francis Jeffers Everton, Arsenal 13
=3 Frank Lampard West Ham United 9
=3 Darren Bent Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic 9
=5 Mark Hateley Coventry City, Portsmouth 8
=5 Carl Cort Wimbledon 8
=5 James Milner Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa 8
=8 Mark Robins Manchester United 7
=8 Shola Ameobi Newcastle United 7
=8 Jermain Defoe West Ham United 7

Note: Club(s) represents the permanent clubs during the player's time in the Under-21s. Those players in bold are still eligible to play for the team at the moment.

Statistics up to and including Wales vs England October 10, 2008.

Current players

Currently eligible players who have won caps or received call-ups to the squad.

Current Squad Player Position Date of birth and age Caps Goals Club Last cap
01 Joe Hart GK April 19, 1987 (37) 12 0 Manchester City May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
02 Martin Cranie DF September 23, 1986 (37) 6 0 Portsmouth May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
03 Andrew Taylor DF August 1, 1986 (37) 7 0 Middlesbrough May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
04 Lee Cattermole MF March 21, 1988 (36) 3 0 Wigan May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
05 Michael Mancienne DF January 8, 1988 (36) 4 0 Chelsea May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
06 David Wheater DF February 14, 1987 (37) 6 0 Middlesbrough May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
07 Theo Walcott FW March 16, 1989 (35) 15 6 Arsenal May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
08 Tom Huddlestone MF December 28, 1986 (37) 26 3 Tottenham Hotspur May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
09 Gabriel Agbonlahor FW October 6, 1986 (37) 10 2 Aston Villa May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
10 Grant Leadbitter MF January 7, 1986 (38) 3 0 Sunderland May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
11 Adam Johnson MF July 14, 1987 (36) 7 1 Middlesbrough May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
12 Ryan Shawcross MF October 4, 1987 (36) 1 0 Stoke City May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
13 Joe Lewis GK October 6, 1987 (36) 2 0 Peterborough United May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
14 Scott Dann DF February 14, 1987 (37) 2 0 Coventry City May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
15 Fabrice Muamba MF April 6, 1988 (36) 8 0 Bolton Wanderers May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
16 Jamie O'Hara MF September 25, 1986 (37) 2 0 Tottenham Hotspur May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
17 Dexter Blackstock FW May 20, 1986 (37) 2 0 Queens Park Rangers May 15, 2008 v Wales, friendly
Unused sub Tom Heaton GK April 15, 1986 (38) 1 0 Cardiff City (loaned from Man. United) March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
Unused sub Matthew Connolly DF September 24, 1987 (36) 0 0 Queens Park Rangers Uncapped
Unused sub Daniel Fox DF May 29, 1986 (37) 1 0 Coventry City March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
Unused sub Michael Johnson MF February 24, 1988 (36) 1 0 Manchester City August 21, 2007 v Romania, friendly
Unused sub Michael Kightly MF January 24, 1986 (38) 3 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers October 12, 2007 v Montenegro, qualifier
Unused sub Mark Noble MF May 8, 1987 (37) 10 3 West Ham United February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
Unused sub Fraizer Campbell FW September 13, 1987 (36) 1 0 Tottenham Hotspur (loaned from Man. United) March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
No call Ben Alnwick GK January 1, 1987 (37) 1 0 Tottenham Hotspur August 21, 2007 v Romania, qualifier
No call Billy Jones DF March 24, 1987 (37) 0 0 Preston North End Uncapped
No call Joseph Mattock DF May 15, 1990 (33) 4 0 Leicester City February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
No call Nedum Onuoha DF November 12, 1986 (37) 14 1 Manchester City March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
No call Micah Richards DF June 24, 1988 (35) 3 0 Manchester City October 10, 2006 v Germany, play-off
No call Richard Stearman DF August 19, 1987 (36) 0 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Uncapped
No call Steven Taylor DF January 23, 1986 (38) 25 4 Newcastle United February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
No call Craig Gardner MF November 25, 1986 (37) 6 0 Aston Villa February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
No call Aaron Lennon MF April 16, 1987 (37) 3 0 Tottenham Hotspur February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
No call James Milner MF January 4, 1986 (38) 35 6 Aston Villa February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
No call Tom Soares MF July 10, 1986 (37) 4 0 Stoke City February 28, 2006 v Norway, friendly
No call Andrew Surman MF August 20, 1986 (37) 4 1 Southampton February 5, 2008 v Republic of Ireland, qualifier
No call Matt Derbyshire FW April 14, 1986 (38) 11 4 Blackburn Rovers March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
No call Cameron Jerome FW October 14, 1986 (37) 10 0 Birmingham City March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
No call Ishmael Miller FW March 5, 1987 (37) 0 0 West Bromwich Albion Uncapped
No call Luke Moore FW February 13, 1986 (38) 5 1 West Bromwich Albion March 25, 2008 v Poland, qualifier
No call James Vaughan FW July 14, 1988 (35) 1 0 Everton June 14, 2007 v Italy, finals

Note: Names in italics denote players that have been capped for the Senior team Statistics up to and including Wales vs England May 152008.

Recent results and forthcoming fixtures

2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Qualification Group 3

Main article: 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Qualification Group 3

Current table

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 England 8 7 1 0 17 1 +16 22
 Portugal 8 4 2 2 13 7 +6 14
 Montenegro 8 2 2 4 5 12 −7 8
 Bulgaria 8 2 1 5 4 9 −5 7
 Republic of Ireland 8 1 2 5 4 14 −10 5

Key: Pts Points, Pld Matches played, W Won, D Drawn, L Lost, GF Goals for, GA Goals against, GD Goal Difference

Matches

Bulgaria 1 – 2 Montenegro
Simovic 90+1' (o.g.) Report Vukčević 50'
Jovetić 66'
Republic of Ireland 0 – 2 Portugal
Report Machado 7'
Veloso 54'
Montenegro 0 – 3 England
Report Onuoha 6'
Agbonlahor 10'
Surman 90'
Bulgaria 0 – 2 England
Report Huddlestone 25'
Noble 32'
Portugal 4 – 0 Montenegro
Moreira 18'
Coelho 53'
Fernandes 66' 89'		 Report
Bulgaria 1 – 0 Portugal
Domovchiyski 43' (pen.) Report
Referee: Meir Levi (Israel)
England 1 – 0 Montenegro
Derbyshire 20' Report
Montenegro 1 – 2 Portugal
Moreira 34' (o.g.) Report Soares 76'
Targino 80'
Referee: Joseph Attard (Malta)
Republic of Ireland 0 – 3 England
Report Noble 10' 17'
Milner 26'
Montenegro 1 – 0 Republic of Ireland
Vujović 18' Report
England 2 – 0 Bulgaria
Agbonlahor 41'
Milner 82' (pen.)		 Report
Referee: Luc Wouters (Belgium)
Republic of Ireland 1 – 0 Bulgaria
O'Toole 90+3' Report
Portugal 1 – 1 England
Machado 3' (pen.) Report Johnson 49'
Referee: Istvan Vad (Hungary)
England 3 – 0 Republic of Ireland
O'Halloran 59' (o.g.)
Milner 68'
Walcott 78'		 Report
Republic of Ireland 1 – 1 Montenegro
Keogh 72' Report Bojovic 68'
Portugal 2 – 0 Bulgaria
Moreira 65'
Saleiro 68'		 Report
Bulgaria 2 – 0 Republic of Ireland
Kurdov 45'
Tsvetanov 77'		 Report
Referee: Marco Borg (Malta)
England 2 – 0 Portugal
Milner 44' (pen.)
Agbonlahor 63'		 Report
Montenegro 0 – 0 Bulgaria
Report
Portugal 2 – 2 Republic of Ireland
Vaz Té 38'
Fernandes 45+'		 Report Garvan 50'
Garvan 65'

Play-off

Wales vsEngland 
England vsWales 

Friendlies

Recent Friendlies

 England1 - 1 Romania
Derbyshire 8'
 Stancu 25'
 England0 - 0 Poland
Referee: Kevin Blom Netherlands
 Wales0 - 2 England
Huddlestone 19 pen'
Walcott 25'
 England2 - 1 Slovenia
Richards 25'
Milner 35'

Future Friendlies

 Norway0 England

ə

References

  1. ^ BBC News - Wembley opener attracts thousands
  2. ^ BBC News - Wembley game 'sold out' in hours
  3. ^ The Guardian - Early set-back on Wembley's big day
  4. ^ "Pearce named England U21 manager". BBC Sport. Retrieved July 17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

See also

External links

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