Euro U21: FT: England 0-1 Portugal

1. Mario slots home after Silva hit post
2. Kane close on several occasions
3. England play Sweden on Sunday
4. Sweden earlier defeated Italy 2-1

And that's us done for the night. See you Sunday for England's next game against Sweden.

Indeed, Ian, indeed. William Carvalho was a tank in the midfield, he's got the lot. I wouldn't expect him to stay at Sporting for much longer.

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Ian Dennis

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"Portugal under Rui Jorge not lost competitive match in 3 years and 8 months. Excellent team with Arsenal target Carvalho impressive."

Portugal coach Rui Jorge: "I'm very happy to obtain victory against a very good team with talented players and a lot of quality. They are very strong in attack, scored in 17 games straight and so I'm very happy."

'We still have a fantastic chance'

England boss Gareth Southgate: "We always felt it would be a very tight game and that's how it proved. The goal we gave away is an incredible bit of bad fortune.

Reuters

"Our build-up play was good and we looked a threat, one goal was always going to decide it. We have to move on quickly, my experience of tournaments is that if you don't react well then you have no chance in the next game.

"We still have a fantastic chance of going through. The next two matches are matches we can win. I knew that Portugal are as good as anything in the competition."

I've tried hard not to make a joke about that Louise. Very hard.

Will Louise or her boyfriend be celebrating on Sunday though?

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Louise Engelbertsen: As a Swede this has changed my plans. Thought I could enjoy a nice Sunday with the boyfriend, but now we have to go to separate pubs.

'No shame in losing like that'

England goalkeeper Jack Butland: "It was an unlucky break but there is no shame in losing like that. We had plenty of chances and on another day that goes our way. We had plenty of chances and if we play with that intensity we will be OK.

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"Once we got through the lines we hurt them. We have to be positive now and carry on that momentum."

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Radio 5 live

"It was most definitely a step-up in terms of quality for England from their qualifying campaign.

"Portugal weren't that much better but I felt that in their front three they had a bit more. Tom Carroll and Jesse Lingard were disappointing but every time they managed to get the ball to Harry Kane he created something.

"I know we keep talking about Kane but if you have a player with his ability then try to get the ball to him more often.

"Italy looked quite ordinary to me against Sweden. I think England are better than the two teams they have got to play but they have got to beat them."

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Daniel in Derby: Disappointing but it has been the best England tournament performance of the decade. Great effort lads!

Tom in London: So much negativity! Give the boys a chance. Decent performance against potential winners who drafted in a top senior player.

Will Gareth Southgate be tempted to make many changes for the Sweden game?I would imagine that Alex Pritchard may be close to a recall, he was excellent once he came on. Danny Ings too maybe.

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Radio 5 live

"To be quite honest, it is a disappointing result for England but of all of the eight teams we have seen, Portugal are most definitely the best.

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"This was really, really close and from Gareth Southgate's point of view, he can sit them down and say to them that they played quite well. I don't think against Sweden and Italy that he needs to change many things.

"What they have got to do on Sunday is give Harry Kane more help. If England can do that then I'm pretty sure they will qualify."

What next for England?

England now probably need to win both of their remaining games to go through to the semi-finals.

First up they face Sweden on Sunday, before Italy on Wednesday 24 June. All of those games are live with us here and on BBC radio 5 live.

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David Wright: I'd much rather watch the U21s over the seniors. Valiant effort, clear passion and pride. Take note Roy...

No positivity out there? Plenty to see for me.

England had 19 efforts on goal tonight.

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Sanj: Looks like we're getting a preview of next summer. Win all our easy qualifying matches then tank in the group stages

Dan Hayes: Consummately English tourney performance from the U21s. Sterling work by @GarethSouthgate prepping for the seniors

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Just Gareth Southgate's second defeat in charge of England, and the first time he has seen his side fail to find the net.

They were decent for the first half, and ended really well too. A slack goal to concede and a quiet 15-minute spell either side of the hour mark has cost them.

FULL-TIME

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Carl Jenkinson's cross is cleared, Alex Pritchard shoots - deflected away! Corner...

Pritchard puts it in and Jose Sa saves a header well. Unlucky England - they've had some chances tonight!

Portugal clear the corner and send the cavalry on the counter, great cover from Luke Garbutt though to sweep it away. One more push?

England keep coming, Will Hughes has a cross blocked, Nat Chalobah beats one man and it's cleared just as he tried to pull the trigger. Corner ball, in it comes, away...

Harry Kane chips a cross in, it's headed out to Alex Pritchard but it's on his right (wrong) foot and he drags a shot wide from 20 yards.

Final minute.

Alex Pritchard is a lively character and he puts in a dangerous cross which Jose Sa does well to field.

Final few minutes...

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Radio 5 live

"England have got too many players back - they have got to take a chance."

Portugal win a corner after a lovely touch from Bernardo Silva, he's been class the Portugal 10. And another corner. And another.

Fine game management this from Rui Jorge's side.

Final five. Much better from England since Danny Ings came on but it's not going to be enough. Or is it?

SUBSTITUTION

EPA

Portugal withdraw goalscorer Joao Mario and wunderkind Ruben Neves takes his place. Seven minutes remain.

CLOSE!

Lovely effort! Danny Ings fires in a dipping strike from 20 yards after Carl Jenkinson finds him but the Liverpool man's effort drifts wide. England ending really well. Don't rule out a late goal...

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James Sheffield: Pritchard along with Garbutt was the best player on park at Barnsley last week, can't believe he didn't start tonight!

Harry Kane is a man possessed. He beats one man for strength, and pace, hustling past on the edge of the box but seeing a shot blocked. Belief?

England now playing four men right up front. Kitchen sink time.

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Radio 5 live

"England need to push up and try to play down the other end of the field. However, the Portuguese goalkeeper remains totally unconvincing."

GREAT SAVE!

Instant impact from Alex Pritchard, carrying the ball high up the pitch and finding Harry Kane inside the area, Kane shoots early and hard but it's right at Jose Sa in the Portugal goal! Chance.

SUBSTITUTION

Final change for Gareth Southgate as Tottenham midfielder Alex Pritchard - on loan at Brentford last season - replaces Tom Carroll. Can the number seven find the answers?

Reaching the last four?

We asked in our vote how far you think England will go in this tournament.

Well, 42% of you reckon that Gareth Southgate's team will make the last four. Of course, quite a few of you may have voted before they fell behind.

One in five went for the group stage, with 23% voting that England will win the tournament.

They could sure do with a goal right now.......

I have to concur with Lawro that this Portugal side look the best in the tournament on the evidence of the opening fixtures. Germany have some big names but they didn't play well yesterday. England will be hoping that they can still get out of the group and have the chance to find out how good Germany are.

AP

Fifteen to go. Could be a long 15 minutes too, England have lost their momentum and their shape.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"The last two set pieces from England have been very poorly delivered.

"What the Portuguese are doing very cleverly when they are breaking is to get two guys out wide quickly and that engineers a little bit more space for their team."

Danny Ings' first touch is a defensive header to clear his lines. He needs to get up alongside Harry Kane and try to make something happen. England were bright in the first half but they've faded badly.

SUBSTITUTION

Luke Garbutt wastes another free-kick for England. He's better than that. Poor.

Portugal introduce Iuri Medeiros into the action while Liverpool's new man Danny Ings is on for England in place of Jesse Lingard. He has 18 minutes to fashion a chance or two.

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Allan Abbas: With all the hype and favourite tag England losing this one. Maybe their talent is exaggerated

Hashim: England's young defenders doing well to replicate the calamity of their senior counterparts.

Daniel Gravestock: "Can always count on England to be sloppy at the back and concede poor goals."

Harry Kane wins the header form the corner but there's nothing in it. Portugal are readying a change. Are England? They need to be.

Harry Kane from 30 yards looks like England's best bet. Kane shoots early and it deflects wide.

Portugal have called their wide men back, they will sit in and hit England on the counter now. England have to throw men up field. Luke Garbutt overhits a free-kick out of play though. Poor.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"From what I've seen so far, Portugal are the best team in the tournament. Mind you, England aren't far behind."

CLOSE!

Chance! Joao Maria puts over a brilliant cross from the right which Ricardo should bury - but he closes his eyes on it and heads wide from eight yards out.

Big chance for Portugal to wrap this one up.

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Harry Kane has been starved of the ball but his neat lay-off triggers a promising England move, it goes down the left and then back out to the right. A cross comes over but referee Danny Makkelie gets keeper Jose Sa out of trouble with a soft free-kick.

England have got worse since they changed their shape in midfield, not better. They have half an hour to find a leveller or else it will be uphill to get out of the group.

Gareth Southgate is rustling his notes, readying his subs. Danny Ings? Got to be.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"England were very slack at the back - almost statuesque. It was a lucky bounce off Luke Garbutt but the only two players who reacted were the two Portuguese players."

England have scored in each of their last 18 games. They now need a 19th...

GOAL

England have been on top since the restart but it's Portugal who go ahead. Luke Garbutt is unlucky as his tackle sees the ball run into the path of an unmarked Bernardo Silva. He hits the post from five yards out, he should score, but it doesn't matter as the ball runs for Joao Mario and he buries it.

Well hit! Left-back Raphael Guerreiro fires in a curling strike from 20 yards and the ball flies wide from the angle. Jack Butland was worried enough.

SUBSTITUTION

Here comes the change. Will Hughes replaces James Ward-Prowse. Tom Carroll drops in deeper to allow Hughes in the hole.

The Czech Republic scored a screamer in the opening game yesterday when their right back cut inside onto his left foot and fired home. Carl Jenkinson attempts a tribute but he is tackled and the ball squirms away.

Lawro is not having Portugal's keeper. Not for a minute.

England on top.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Did you see where the Portugal goalkeeper was stood for that free-kick? He was stood right in the middle of goal, right behind his wall. If that was on target from Ward-Prowse it was 1-0."

CLOSE!

That is close! James Ward-Prowse curls the free-kick over the wall, Jose Sa is all at sea and the ball curls just wide. So, so close!

YELLOW CARD

England counter well and Bernardo Silva is booked for bringing down the breaking Jesse Lingard. Will Hughes is warming up.

YELLOW CARD

Empics

Nathan Redmond has been England's best player, and the Norwich man tests Jose Sa again with a swerving shot from range. Sa juggles it but gets away with it. Portugal then counter and Ben Gibson is booked for a nothing much challenge.

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Portugal number 10 Bernardo Silva was talked up as their main man before the game and he's a very neat player, tidy. He has wonderful close control and touch.

KICK-OFF

No changes to either side and we are back up and running.

Leader?

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Gareth Southgate was the England player who dug out Sven-Goran Eriksson for his half-time team talks during the 2002 World Cup.

Southgate remarked about Eriksson's performance at half-time in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Brazil in Japan in 2002: "We were expecting Winston Churchill and instead we got Iain Duncan-Smith."

What Prime Minister has Gareth just emulated? Here come the sides...

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John Dykes: The more I see of Jack Butland the less I worry about Asmir Begovic leaving in the summer, picking him up was Tony Pulis' last gift to Stoke!

Is Asmir Begovic off? Lots of speculation to that effect

England's central midfield three looked like the weak link in the first half. Changes afoot?

Ben Smith

BBC Sport in Uherske Hradiste

"Plenty of encouragement for England but as I left my seat for half-time Gareth Southgate's team analyst went dashing past me down to the dressing rooms perhaps to deliver a message that England's link-man Tom Carroll simply isn't linking play, because Portugal are beginning to control that area of the pitch.

Reuters

"Tactically it is a very good plan - cut the supply to England's danger man Harry Kane. The question now, is can Southgate respond?"

Who could be match-winners on the bench for England tonight?

Danny Ings - in a role he may have to get used to - is Plan B up front, while Will Hughes and Alex Pritchard can prise apart a defence. Benik Afobe, replacement for the injured Saido Berahino, isn't with the squad yet.

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Steve from Manchester: Sam from Telford [see 24 mins] not been entertained by an England side for a long time?! I guess he was out on Sunday when England won a 5 goal thriller

An excellent point...

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Portugal have looked the better team, but England have looked like they can score more goals. It has been a good game and technically we thought it would be. The front three of Portugal look very dangerous and Harry Kane has come into game in the last 10 minutes, but they haven't really get the best of him yet. That's the key in the second half for England."

Charles, you are on door-knocking duties. Spread the word.

Matt, you're on with getting the FA involved...

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Matt King: I'd definitely watch the U21s vs the Seniors. 21s would smash them. Set this up FA

Charles Rigden: Can I be involved in this campaign for U21s v Seniors please? I'm unemployed and the PL does not start for a few months.

HALF-TIME

AFP

Portugal had more of the ball, England with the best chances. Fine game to watch thus far.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"I thought that was in from Jesse Lingard. He cut inside, curled towards the far corner, and I was expecting that to bulge the net. Chalobah strolled through the Portugal midfield and showed some great vision at the end to pick out Lingard."

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Tom, Solihull: Somebody earlier suggested Southgate for the next England manager. Great shout!

CLOSE!

When in doubt, get it out! That's not the way this England side play, and that's probably a good thing. Harry Kane is back in the left-back position tracking his man, that leaves England light on attacking options.

But hello, cracking move! Nathaniel Chalobah comes to the party with a driving run past two men in midfield, he finds Jesse Lingard on the left of the box and he curls one, inches past the far corner. That is seriously close.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"A bit of inexperience from Liam Moore there. A centre-back should not worry about kicking the ball in the stand - I've still not seen anyone score from there."

Great strength from Portugal forward Ivan Cavaleiro as he muscles Liam Moore off the ball near the corner flag, cuts inside and fires in a drive which flashes past the far corner.

Get involved

Matt: Yes! Let's have under-21s v senior team as public Wembley friendly, why the hell not?!

Let's start the campaign here Matt. That's two of us...

Derby's Will Hughes is on the bench, sure we'll see him at some point this evening. Portugal skipper Sergio Oliveira cracks in a drive again from 35 yards out but it hits Harry Kane in the midriff.

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Paul Limbert: Tom Carroll not in this, Will Hughes should be playing but same big club bias from England at all levels.

Ibrahim Shafi Ahmed: Breaking Tom Carroll, James Ward-Prowse and Will Hughes midfield triangle is criminal thing to do!!!

Culture in that left foot as Bernardo Silva bends in a beauty of a cross, and Tiago Ilori should do better than skim a header wide. It's a fine game for a 0-0.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

AP

"You knew straight away that Harry Kane would hit it - and he did. It was an excellent save. Kane had no service up to then. It's taken a while, but when he gets the ball you know he will try to score."

CLOSE!

Harry Kane again! Shoot on sight stuff from the England nine, battering a low drive into the side-netting from 20 yards.

GREAT SAVE!

Get in the game Harry Kane! He's been starved of possession for most of the game but he has the ball with his back to goal 25 yards out, turns and pings a beauty of a strike, all sorts of movement in the air and Jose Sa has to go full-length to his left to make the save. Sweet as you like.

Nervy stuff! Portugal keeper Jose Sa has a moment of madness as he fluffs his clearance, a real shocker, takes his eye off it and very nearly pings it straight to Harry Kane.

He is rescued by a team-mate though...

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

"Portugal are just edging this game. One of England's problems is that they can't get Tom Carroll, who is playing in behind Harry Kane, into this game. I can't really remember him being in this match at all."

The first fruitless long ball from the back from an England shirt after such a composed and patient start. Portugal growing into the game more and more. Compelling stuff.

Nathaniel Chalobah is struggling after a knock to the head but the Chelsea man is back up and running. He hasn't really got into the game as yet.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"The gulf between Portugal midfielder William Carvalho and the rest is almost embarrassing. At his tender age he plays like Patrick Vieira. It is such an easy game for him."

It's excellent Sam isn't it? Very entertaining. Lawro is loving the performance of Portugal's William Carvalho so far.

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Sam from Telford: Would rather watch England u21's than the senior team. Haven't been entertained by an England side like this for a long time.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

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"Both teams move the ball in the final third extremely well. England's problem at the moment is that central midfielder James Ward-Prowse and Nathaniel Chalobah, defensively, are lacking. They are stood square and close to each other which doesn't help because one good ball can beat both them."

For the next friendly why not have England Under-21s v England? That would be a game.

Nathan Redmond has been superb so far and is at the heart of another good attack which is well cut out before it can find Harry Kane. Portugal captain Sergio Oliveira fires wide from 30 yards. Who can get the breakthrough?

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Pierre: Interesting game. chances and some neat play.

Ben Smith

BBC Sport in Uherske Hradiste

"Technically, it has been a very impressive start on both sides and yet there is a sense that England are just a little open in midfield where Portugal are just starting to get a measure of control. The physical presence of Harry Kane has certainly been a weapon England have used and, at times, quite directly. But England have been patient when they have needed to be.

"Very delicately balanced."

Aston Villa and Derby fans may want to know that Austrian striker Andreas Weimann has joined the Rams from Villa. Back in the Czech Republic it's Portugal's turn to go close with a deflected strike from Joao Mario.

CLOSE!

Did I mention that this is a very good game? It's flying by. Nathan Redmond is enjoying himself with another slicing run past two men and he tees up Jesse Lingard to flash a shot over the top from 22 yards.

Reuters

Close. Lingard has impressed me so far.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"A lot of England's best play has come down the right flank. There is a good relationship between winger Nathan Redmond and full-back Carl Jenkinson. Redmond always has his toes on the white touchline and Jenkinson is very quick to support him."

Classic stuff from Harry Kane, receive the ball with back to goal, feel for the centre-half, roll him and feed the full-back on the opposite wing. Classic centre-forward play. England win a corner as a result and Ben Gibson can't steer a header on goal.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Great build up play again from Portugal. All of their forward players have got a trick. They look very lively up front."

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Both managers were talking up the quality of this game yesterday - and they appear to be justified so far. Another flowing move, really easy on the eye, from the Portuguese this time, sees heir to Deco and Rui Costa, Bernardo Silva dance onto a through pass and slash in a low drive which Jack Butland fields well. Goals are coming.

CLOSE!

Cracking move! England whip the ball to feet down the right, it comes in to Nathan Redmond, all one-touch stuff, and the Norwich man flashes in a low shot which the bearded custodian Jose Sa beats away. Very encouraging midfield play.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"The great thing about these Portugal players is that as soon as they get the ball, especially in midfield, they look forward."

Good game this. Both teams look good on the ball, nobody is rushing in possession or smashing into the channels. Portugal keeping it well now.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"That's a pure reaction save from Butland - absolutely brilliant. He is going the other way and sticks out a big left hand."

GREAT SAVE!

Top save! England keeper Jack Butland has to make a reaction save to keep out Liam Moore's attempted clearance and prevent an own goal! He was going the wrong way but reacted superbly to push it clear.

England then come away and Jesse Lingard carries the ball well again, finding James Ward-Prowse who shoots over.

Ian Dennis

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"The Portuguese television commentator next to us says that William Carvalho says he wants to move to Arsenal. But Sporting Lisbon will want to hang on to him. He has a release clause of £37m."

Every Premier League club worth their salt has been linked with William Carvalho in recent times and you can see why. He's built like, well, like a man who could come up against Yaya Toure and live to tell the tale. Massive. England holding their own though in a decent start to the game.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Part of playing for Under 21s is getting ready for senior team - if you're frightened of the ball then there is no hope of you progressing to the senior team. You can see already that Portugal send nearly everything through William Carvalho, who sits in front of the back four."

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England centre-half Liam Moore hasn't since 7 March while on loan at Brentford. Rusty? He's started OK. Tom Carroll pops a pass into the path of Harry Kane, great spot, but the big man is just offside.

Jesse Lingard is the man in the starting line-up in place of the injured Saido Berahino and he starts a sharp move with a jinking run through midfield. Nice feet, before finding Nathan Redmond on the right. His cross is low and on point to find Harry Kane - but it's cut out well.

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Miles Anderson Smith: Come on England! Let's see some passion and energy! Big start!!

Mark Lawrenson

Former Republic of Ireland defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's going to be a very tough test for England - we know all the Portuguese players will be very technically gifted. England must keep together and start strongly. The opening 20 minutes in all the games so far have been 'harum scarum'. There has been no time for anyone on the ball."

It is Portugal keeper Jose Sa who is sporting a supreme beard. Death metal/Fantasy stuff. England will be hoping to test him early on but it's the men in red who start with the ball at feet.

KICK-OFF

Under way!

Jack Butland and Ben Gibson embrace at the end of a fine rendition of the England national anthem. They look all set. We shall see...

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BBC Radio 5 live

A reminder that you can listen to full radio commentary on 5 live right now, on your radio or in this page.

Good anthem from Portugal, tonally solid. A cracking beard on one of the Portugal players too. Check his passport!

Former England right-back Lee Dixon: "Good luck to our U21's in their opening game tonight. Big window for these players and here are my two to watch: Carl Jenkinson will have a cracking tournament. I spoke to him yesterday and he's raring to go. Jack Butland will need to be on top form, but it's a big chance for him to show what he can do."

Here we go, teams in the tunnel. Can England get off to a flier?

Well Stefano Sturaro was sent off for Italy earlier this afternoon. The curse of Reidy?

Former England midfielder Peter Reid: "Good luck to our U21s tonight! I think there's some outstanding talent on show. Here are my three stars in the making.... This tournament is a big chance for Harry Kane and puts him in the shop window. Keep an eye out also for midfielders Stefano Sturaro (Italy) and Bernardo Silva (Portugal)."

Empty seats?

Ben Smith

BBC Sport in Uherske Hradiste

Reuters

"Having been told that this match had been sold out months ago, England fans are taking their seats in a stadium that may not even be half full at kick-off. Questions for Uefa certainly. And not great for either the tournament or the England fans who were told it wasn't worth travelling because tickets were sold out. Very odd."

It's a smidge over 15 years since England faced Portugal in their opening game of Euro 2000.

If, like me, you thought England were the best team in Europe when Paul Scholes and Steve McManaman had them 2-0 up inside 18 minutes you'll recall that familiar sinking feeling once Luis Figo had fired one through Tony Adams' legs from 40 yards out.

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England lost 3-2, of course.

Ben Smith

BBC Sport in Uherske Hradiste

"FA Chairman Greg Dyke and assistant manager Ray Lewington are in the stadium tonight and enjoying Uefa's hospitality. England boss Roy Hodgson isn't here but is arriving later in the week for the matches against Sweden and Italy. The England manager's travel movements were helpfully put on a big screen in my hotel last night. Not quite sure what happened there but useful to know..."

Reuters

Where do we stand on Gareth Southgate as a potential England manager one day? I've heard more tactical analysis from him in one five-minute interview than from any senior manager in 30 years...

Get involved

Barnaby Sims: I think we could see Tom Carroll bossing an England midfield in years to come, providing he gets an opportunity at Spurs.

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England U21 manager Gareth Southgate: "Saido Berahino felt his knee in training two days ago and we've scanned it and it will keep him out for three weeks.

"More than anything it's a great personal disappointment for him after all the goals he has scored. People say players don't care about playing for England, but I've had two players in tears in the last 24 hours.

"Jesse Lingard is suited to play against Portugal's diamond and he is a very good finisher."

Support from the boys

We were under the impression that Saido Berahino, who was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury earlier today, had already flown back to Blighty. Not so. The knee-braced West Brom striker watches from the touchline along with concussed defender John Stones.

'£3 to get in'

Ben Smith

BBC Sport in Uherske Hradiste

"The England team coach arrived a little while ago, Carl Jenkinson was first off the coach and there were plenty of England fans to greet them. Much of the travelling support has travelled to this part of the Czech Republic without tickets, having been told by Uefa the match had sold out months ago. That doesn't, however, seem to be the case. In the last 30 mins, ticket windows have opened around this ground and fans have told me 'piles' of tickets are now available to buy. The asking price? £3."

Just 25 minutes to go and England are out warming up inside the compact stadium. A fast start could be key - particularly if the Portuguese lads are half as good as their gaffer reckons...

'We have enormous quality'

Portugal boss Rui Jorge: "I don't like to make comparisons with past eras but what I can say is this group of players have enormous quality.

EPA

"We have real depth - we have 23 players and even a few more with the same quality who we couldn't select here. All the players did a great job for their clubs during the season."

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Mike Sainty: Not as far as they can if they keep leaving Ings and Hughes on the bench.

Lovejoy D'Boss: They won't cross group stage...

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Ben Smith

BBC Sport in Uherske Hradiste

"A sizeable contingent from the Germany U21s are here in Uherske Hradiste tonight. The forward scouting department from the tournament favourites arrived in full training kit, not the best undercover scouting attire, to run the rule over both teams. Germany are likely to play at least one of them in the semi-finals a week on Saturday. What's that cliche about German efficiency?"

'It will be an outstanding game'

England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate was not hanging about in his predictions for tonight's game.

"We know Portugal are a very strong squad and Rui [Jorge] and I agree it will be a really outstanding game in terms of the quality of play on view," he said.

"For us it is a great challenge, we highly respect Portugal - there are several players that can pose problems if we don't defend and manage the game well."

A really outstanding game! He's gone big.

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Andrew W, Cambuslang, Glasgow: "RE picture at 19:02, another player in the 1997 England squad went on to win a full international cap....number 8 played for Scotland!"

That would be the relegation specialist Nigel Quashie of course...

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Young Lions ready to roar

Tune in

BBC Radio 5 live

There is full live commentary of this game on BBC Radio 5 live tonight, where Ian Dennis is joined by Mark Lawrenson.

Tune in on the radio or listen within this page.

Happy and glorious

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2013-15 may go down as the second great beard era of modern times, but 1983-6 is unquestionably the last great era of male hair. Magnificent, every single one of them.

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Ian Dennis

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter

"Portuguese commentator informs me Sunderland are keen on loan move for Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori."

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VOTE NOW

All the way to the final? A last-four penalty defeat? Or groups and out?

How far can England go in the tournament? Have your say by voting on this page.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Making predictions in football is often a thankless task. But we're going to try anyway.

Who of the current England squad do you see going on to win the most caps for the full squad?

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Future England greats? Or future Colchester and Yeovil squad players?

Will Jack Butland break the 100-cap barrier in nets once Joe Hart steps down? Is 19-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek a shoo-in in a deep midfield role for the next 12 years? Will Harry Kane trouble Wayne Rooney's goalscoring record?

Or will none of them make the cut?

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Guess who?

PA

Under 21s matches are often billed as somewhere where we can "see the stars of tomorrow, today". Unfortunately not many of England's class of 1997 graduated to star status. In fact, only three players from this line-up - captain Jamie Carragher, striker Emile Heskey and goalkeeper Richard Wright - ended up winning full caps.

Any idea who the other eight likely lads are? We struggled to identify them. Apart from the number four, who used to play at the same golf club in South Yorkshire as one of my colleagues...

Test your knowledge with this belter of a picture quiz on the Four Four Two website.

The new Hateley?

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AC Milan. Monaco. Rangers. A French league title. Several Scottish league titles. Former England striker Mark Hateley has quite the footballing CV.

But whether Harry Kane would be pleased or not if he heard someone describing him as the 'new Hateley' is open to debate.

The target man was lauded by Gers fans for his power, work-rate and ability to find the net (sound familiar?) but only managed a strike-rate of nine goals in 32 appearances for his country.

However, he is the only Englishman to win the Golden Player award at a European Championship. I'm sure Kane would happily accept that honour in a fortnight's time...

How far can England go?

All the way to the final? A last-four penalty defeat? Or groups and out?

How far can England go in the tournament? Have your say by voting on this page.

Ones to watch

Portugal's 'Golden Generation' of Figo, Costa, Sousa and Couto may have delivered as much as England's, but hopes are high that Rui Jorge's current crop can bring the goods.

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Is Bernardo Silva the new Rui Costa?

Eight of his 23-man squad have played for the full side, with number 10 Bernardo Silva the main man. He pulls the strings for Monaco and can cause havoc if given the room.

Liverpool fans could get the chance to see defender Tiago Ilori play, while midfielder William Carvalho has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the last seven transfer windows.

Phil Neville

Former England defender

Looking forward to the Under 21 game - big losses Stones/Berahino missing - big opportunity for others now to step in- I fancy us!

FULL-TIME

The night's other game has just finished - and it was a feisty one!

Sweden were reduced to 10 men early on but rallied to win it late on, with Italy also ending up a man light.

Former Manchester City and Celtic striker John Guidetti was on the scoresheet in an entertaining affair. The Swedes are celebrating wildly in front of their joyous travelling fans.

AP

Who's in the squad?

Gareth Southgate's Under-21 squad has a sprinkling of senior class throughout.

Reuters

Will Jack Butland be number one for Stoke this season?

Five players have all won full caps under Roy Hodgson, with 30-goal striker Harry Kane undoubtedly the leading man.

Saido Berahino is a loss but with new Liverpool striker Danny Ings in the mix there looks to be goals in the team. Will Hughes of Derby is a classy midfielder while Jack Butland has long been tipped for the top in goal.

England are among the favourites for a reason.

Young Lions ready to roar

Road to Prague

The Under-21s tournament is a lesson in brevity. The cricket world cup, the World Snooker, the Olympics - all watch on and learn.

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Just a typical day in Prague. I'm sure.

The top two in each group go through to the semi-finals, with the whole tournament taking up 13 days. Done.

Will Gareth Southgate and his side be in Prague for the final on 30 June?

Saido KO

Some bad news in the England camp this morning as West Brom forward Saido Berahino was forced to fly back home with a knee injury. Berahino hit 10 goals in qualifying. He has been red hot.

He has been replaced by Wolves striker Benik Afobe.

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A pre-knee injury Saido Berahino in the England camp this week.

Boss Gareth Southgate said: "It's a great personal disappointment for Saido.

"He's very conscious of it not affecting the team and we're personally disappointed for him because he's been with us from the very first game, scored our first goal and has been a huge part of the reason why we're here.

"It's a great shame he won't be able to finish the job."

It is six years since England's Under-21s reached the European final, and 31 years since they won it.

Reuters

Can they end that run in the Czech Republic?

Tonight they open their campaign against Portugal, and also face Italy and Sweden in a tricky-looking Group B...

BreakingTEAM NEWS

England

Harry Kane leads the line for England, while Stoke keeper Jack Butland is captain. Liverpool's newest signing Danny Ings is on the bench.

England: Butland (c), Jenkinson, Moore, Gibson, Garbutt, Ward-Prowse, Carroll, Chalobah, Redmond, Kane, Lingard

And so it begins...

A quiet summer on the football front? No major tournaments? Set your alarm clock for 8 August and enter a two-month hibernation?Nope. Not a chance.

With England's women leading the way in Canada, Messi, Neymar and co lighting up the Copa in Chile and Raheem Sterling keeping agents and the gentlemen and ladies of the press alike on overtime, it's as busy as ever in the footballing world.

And tonight we zone in on the town of Uherske Hradiste in the Czech Republic. It may well be twinned with Bridgwater in Somerset but tonight it may as well be Wembley.

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England's Under-21s are in town. And they mean business...