Lavia, Lacroix feature as England U21s book Euro 2027 spot

Romeo Lavia and Maxence Lacroix both came off the bench in UEFA Nations League action on Friday, while Josh Acheampong helped England Under-21s qualify for the 2027 European Championships.

Lavia, who made his first senior Belgium start just days earlier, was introduced after an hour of Belgium's 3-0 home win over Turkey. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice before fellow former Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku added the third with 15 minutes remaining. Goalkeeper Mike Penders was an unused substitute.

In the same Nations League group, France were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in Paris. Lacroix entered the game after centre-back Dayot Upamecano was dismissed with a second yellow card late on, helping France preserve the point. Alessandro Bastoni had equalised after Michael Olise's opener. France lead Group 1 in League A with seven points, one ahead of Belgium.

England Under-21s secured their place at the 2027 Euros with a goalless draw against Slovakia in Stoke. Acheampong played the full 90 minutes and had a driven effort well saved shortly before half-time in a match England largely controlled. England face Ireland in Cork on Tuesday in their final group game, before looking to defend their European title next summer.

At Under-19 level, Reggie Walsh and Chizarem Ezenwata started as England beat the United States 2-1 in Spain. Both were substituted in the second half, while goalkeeper Freddy Bernal was unused. England have now won five consecutive games ahead of their final fixture of the window against Belgium on Monday.