England and Croatia have been lined up as friendly opposition for Ireland’s Under-21s this summer.

Jim Crawford’s side will play Croatia in Zagreb on June 7 before facing England in the same city on June 11.

Venues and kick-off times for both games have yet to be confirmed.

England will field their Under-20s side, not their Under-21s managed by former Ireland international and FAI managerial target Lee Carsley.

Crawford is using the away double-header as preparation for Ireland’s Euro qualifiers in September away to Turkey and home to San Marino.

Ireland are currently sitting in the playoff spot for Euro 2025, two points behind group leaders Italy and with a game in hand.

Crawford said: “We’ve some big games coming up in the autumn and it was vital that we had a strong test in this June window - and we certainly have that.

“Croatia are no strangers to the European Championships and it will be a tough challenge going up against them on home soil.

“England have a huge talent pool and will always have quality sides. They have beaten some excellent opposition and we look forward to going up against a very good side.”

While Ireland have never reached the U21 Euro finals, Croatia have qualified on five occasions and reached the quarter-finals in 2021.

England’s U20s beat Germany, Poland and Czechia in their most recent games and are using these games as preparation for the next Euro qualifying campaign.

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