England and Wales U21's in action today

Last updated : 15 November 2005 By Michael Morris
Camerone Jerome did not make the bench for the England U21's in the first leg of the their qualifying match aginst France last Friday. The game ended 1 - 1 with the second leg being played tonight in Nancy. We'll have to see whether Peter Taylor includes him tonight in a match that will determine who goes thorugh to the U21 Championships next summer. It's unlikely as England skipper Gary O'Neil returns to the side and already upfront are Darren Bent and Carlton Cole.

City players that might well see action today will be the Welsh U21's. Byron Anthony and Joe Jacobsen are with Wales in Cyprus. They play in Phaphos this afternoon.

The U21 structure is changing. Wales will not automaticlaly qualify for the U21 tournament that starts next season. It's a one year competition that Wales will have to contest a play off for at the end of this season. Should Wales fail to win that play off they will not be involved in competitive U21 action until the 2007 / 2008 season.

For Joe Jacobsen the Welsh call up comes on the eve of his 19th birthday. He's been a reserve team regular this season for City after a successful season with the academy last year. Next is for Joe to earn a senior contract at Ninian Park.

He has one previous Wales U21 cap, earned at Llanelli against Malta earlier this year.