England open their U21 European Championship campaign against Sweden on Friday at the Kielce City Stadium in Poland. 

The Young Lions go into the game aiming to build on the recent success of the two U20 sides who won the World Cup and the Toulon Tournament, respectively, last weekend.

This will be the first major tournament for manager Aidy Boothroyd, after he took over from Gareth Southgate, but BT Sport's Adam Summerton feels he deserves credit for the U20s' success:

Boothroyd also feels England's recent achievements can help his side in this tournament, where they will also face Poland and Slovakia in the group stages, per the FA.

"Winning that first trophy and getting over that hurdle is something that can propel you into winning," he said. "There's a real focus from them and a willingness to go there and win something."

The Young Lions finalised their preparations for the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Iceland on Saturday with both sides also taking part in a penalty shootout, as practice, with England winning 7-6.

Team News

England have named a 23-man squad and will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Isaiah Brown and Patrick Roberts due to injury, per the FA. Marcus Rashford was omitted after being called up to the senior side:

However, England can still name a side with a very strong spine that boasts plenty of Premier League experience. Sunderland's Jordan Pickford will likely start in goal behind a defence that could include Arsenal's Rob Holding, while James Ward-Prowse captains the side in midfield with the exciting Tammy Abraham available up front.

Sweden have left exciting starlet Alexander Isak, who joined Borussia Dortmund in January, at home, the tournament seemingly coming too soon for the 17-year-old. Coach Magnus Hakan Ericson has included Sunderland's Joel Asoro, however, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal recently, per James Benge of Standard Sport.

Key Players

Tammy Abraham

Abraham enjoyed a superb season on loan with Bristol City last time out, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

The Chelsea forward is quick, has the skill to beat to his man and, as he has proved last season, is a clinical finisher.

He also possesses good vision and is able to choose the right pass to bring his team-mates into the game.

Abraham has already been linked with another loan move, with Newcastle reportedly keen, according to Luke Edwards of the Telegraph, and an impressive campaign could yield more offers.

Joel Asoro

The Sunderland forward will be out to beat his Black Cats team-mate Jordan Pickford and there will be plenty of interest in his performance after he revealed interest from Arsenal.

The 18-year-old managed just one Premier League appearance last season but has the pace to trouble the England defence.

A frustrating season on the fringes at Sunderland, that ended in relegation, may also provide Asoro with extra motivation.

Prediction

Expectations will be high in the England camp after the U20s' success and with a squad packed full of Premier League experience.

However, the Young Lions' recent record in the tournament is poor. They have finished bottom of their group at the last three tournaments and scored just five goals in nine games. Saturday also sees them face the holders in arguably their toughest game of the group.

Defensively England look solid, and with the pace and goals of Nathan Redmond and Abraham, they will be optimistic of getting off to a good start.

Prediction: Sweden 0-1 England