U21 EUROs: What To Look Out For

The 2025 UEFA Under-21 European Championship kicks off this week in Slovakia, with France’s young guns aiming to end a 37-year wait for continental glory. But it’s not just Les Bleuets flying the Ligue 1 McDonald's flag — there’s talent with French club connections dotted all over the group stage.

Here’s what to watch on Matchday 1.

🇫🇷 France U21s: A talented squad with a point to prove

France begin their campaign on Wednesday against Portugal in Trenčín (21:00 CET). While some of the biggest names eligible — such as Bradley Barcola (PSG) and Rayan Cherki (Lyon) — are already with the senior squad, Gérald Baticle’s side is still brimming with promise.

Expect Frankfurt’s Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, Tottenham duo Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, and Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig) — a product of Lyon — to shoulder the creative and leadership responsibilities. Lukeba is the only squad member with senior international experience.

Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, fresh from an up-and-down Ligue 1 season with Toulouse, is set to start between the sticks.

Likely XI (France U21): Restes; Doukoure, Lukeba, Mawissa; Sildillia, Lepenant, Magassa, Merlin; Tel, Abline, Odobert

Portugal, under long-term coach Rui Jorge, have injury absences including Fábio Silva, and will be without several stars such as João Neves, now a full senior international. Even so, Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda could pose problems.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England: Ligue 1 McDonald's duo in focus

Two players currently based in France are part of Lee Carsley's title-defending England team:

Jonathan Rowe (Nice): The tricky winger has adapted quickly in Ligue 1 and could be a key creative force.
Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse): The centre-back is coming off a testing season in France but could anchor the Young Lions' backline.

England face Czechia on Thursday (21:00 CET) in Dunajská Streda, the same opponent they beat to open their successful 2023 title run.

Also keep an eye on Tijan Dabo (Sochaux), a versatile midfielder expected to feature for Slovenia in their opener against Germany on Thursday (21:00 CET) in Nitra.

What they said

“We have a young team with top-flight experience, but we’ll need to grow fast in this tournament,”
— Gérald Baticle, France U21 coach

“This squad can achieve something special, even without some of the big names,”
— Castello Lukeba, France defender

📊 Did you know?

France’s last U21 EURO title came in 1988, when Laurent Blanc was named Player of the Tournament.
The only Ligue 1-based player in England's squad, Jonathan Rowe, registered five assists in his first half-season with Nice.
France have reached three straight U21 EUROs but never made it past the semi-finals in that span.