Channel 4 have struck a late deal to broadcast England under-21s in their 2023 European Championship final on Saturday.
Led by former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley, the Young Lions have been close to flawless in their progression through the tournament. Three consecutive 2-0 wins in the group stage have been followed by knockout victories over Portugal and Israel on their way to the final, with the team yet to concede a goal.
Despite their impressive performances, though, both the FA and England fans have been left frustrated by the fact that no major broadcaster picked up the tournament. Instead, all games have been live streamed on UEFA TV.
However, in a late boost Channel 4 has ensured that the final against Spain on Saturday (5pm kick-off) will be shown on terrestrial television.
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There is both Everton and Liverpool interest within the Young Lions squad. Reds duo Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have regularly featured in midfield, while James Garner has been deployed as a right-back, starting all-but-one game throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender and reported Liverpool target Levi Colwill has also been a mainstay of England’s backline. It is claimed by the Liverpool ECHO’s sister title, football.london, that Liverpool have made multiple enquiries over the former Brighton loanee’s availability this summer.
Channel 4 already holds the rights to England coverage, showing the senior mens’ European qualifying campaign and Nations League games until 2024. Presenter Jules Breech and commentator Steve Bower will help lead the coverage for the under-21s Euros final as England seek to win the tournament for the first time since 1984.
Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer Ian Katz said: “Channel 4 has brought a number of historic sporting moments to a free to air audience in recent years and we’re delighted that the nation will be able to watch England’s Under-21s as they attempt to make their own bit of history against Spain on Saturday.”
