I see our U21's are playing the USA U23's. How come they can't get a U21 side together, or is that a deliberate toughening-up exercise on our part?
I think we have played the USA U23s before....perhaps they request it. Years ago I thought it was because they were such a weak side, but I doubt that is true now.That's just made me think... When did England, and indeed, most of the rest of the world, change from U23 to U21.?
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Yes, right up until 1976 when UEFA changed the age groups. The U23's last match was getting knocked out of the U23 European Championship by Hungary on 23rd March 1976. They beat us 3-0 in Budapest and we won 3-1 at Old Trafford. Our team was: M.Wallington, I.Nattrass, Alan Kennedy, Brian Greenhoff, K.Lock, Ray Wilkins, Steve Coppell, J.Case, Stuart Pearson, G.Paddon, Gordon Hill. Jimmy Case was of course still at Liverpool then.I think we have played the USA U23s before....perhaps they request it. Years ago I thought it was because they were such a weak side, but I doubt that is true now.
Sorry....misread your question. Did we use to play U23s?
25 year-olds, because the qualification date is at the start of every 2 year European Championship cycle.It's hard enough to get players to play in the U21s without throwing a hissy fit...can you imagine if we went up to U23 (which would include some 24 year olds).
No chance then...the good ones would all be in the senior squad. You have a hope of decent players at u21 level, but, at the higher age group, you'd be down to the no hopers. Most of an U23 squad would be promising u21 players anyway.25 year-olds, because the qualification date is at the start of every 2 year European Championship cycle.
I think that's probably why UEFA changed the age limits, as that was what was happening with most countries.No chance then...the good ones would all be in the senior squad. You have a hope of decent players at u21 level, but, at the higher age group, you'd be down to the no hopers. Most of an U23 squad would be promising u21 players anyway.
I think we have played the USA U23s before....perhaps they request it. Years ago I thought it was because they were such a weak side, but I doubt that is true now.
Sorry....misread your question. Did we use to play U23s?
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Vegard Forren scores the winner for Norway too. You don't even need to have played for us, just got drunk in our presence and the magic rubs off!

I note he has been giving shooting lessons to his team mates...as demonstrated by the 2 shots off the woodwork.Quite a humble lad, is our Graziano. Takes the whole responsibility of scoring to himself. His teammates are allowed to chip in.
Vegard Forren scores the winner for Norway too. You don't even need to have played for us, just got drunk in our presence and the magic rubs off!
