Shrewsbury Town

England will take on Czech Republic in an Under-20s International in Shrewsbury tonight.

 

The game will take place at the Club's Greenhous Meadow stadium on Monday 7 September.

 

It will be the U20s' first public fixture since their successful 2014-15 campaign, during which they were beaten just once in 11 outings.

 

The fixture will also be Keith Downing's first official game in charge of the age group, since it was confirmed in July that he would be one of four new interim national coaches.

 

Downing, who took charge of West Bromwich Albion in a caretaker capacity in the 2013-14 season, said: "I’m really looking to it. It’s a new role for me and it is a privilege to be connected to the England jobs.

 

"There’s some really good young English players in the country at the moment and obviously it’s a stepping stone for the Under-21s, and then, with continued  work, on to Roy’s senior side after that."

 

Before the game against Czech Republic, the U20s will play a behind closed doors game against the same opposition two days earlier.

 

"It gives me an opportunity to work with the players for seven days before the game," Downing continued.

 

"We’ve not worked together before so it will give us a good chance to get to know each other, so I’m looking forward to that.

 

"After that we go to the Shrewsbury game on the Monday. So a good week of work and I’m sure the boys will be looking forward to coming in and working hard."

 

Shrewsbury has been a home from home for many of the England teams in recent years.

 

The club has hosted the U21s, U20s, U19s and the Women's team in recent years.

 

And former Wolves midfielder Downing said it is a perfect venue for the team to play.

 

"I used to play close to Shrewsbury, at Wolverhampton, so I know the area well," he continued.

 

"So it's a good area and a good arena to take the U20s team to.

 

"I’m sure we will be well supported, it’s an area that loves its football so hopefully they can come down and cheer on the youngsters."