Ireland U21s set for friendlies against England and Croatia

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 will face England and Croatia in friendlies this June.

Both fixtures will take place in the Croatian capital Zagreb, with Jim Crawford's side facing the hosts on Friday 7 June, before a meeting against England's Under-20s on Tuesday 11 June.

The Boys in Green are currently second in their European Championship qualifying group, two points behind Italy.

But the qualification campaign does not resume until September when the Irish side will face Turkey away on the 6th before hosting Latvia four days later.

Ireland head coach Crawford said the June friendlies would provide ample preparation for those autumnal assignments.

"We've some big games coming up in the autumn and it was vital that we had a strong test in this June international window and we certainly have that in Croatia and England," he said.

"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 they will always have quality sides. They have beaten some excellent opposition and we look forward to going up against a very good side."

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