Ireland Under-21s will take on Croatia and England in two friendlies in Zagreb in June.
Jim Crawford’s side face the hosts on Friday, June 7 before playing England Under-20s on Tuesday, June 11.
The two games will provide solid tests for Ireland who currently sit in a play-off place in their qualifying group after a record-breaking 7-0 win over San Marino in March.
In Croatia they will face a team who have qualified for the finals five times, reaching the last eight in 2021. They are currently third in their group with two games in hand on second placed Greece.
𝗙𝗶𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🗣️
Ireland U21s will play Croatia U21s & England U20s in two friendlies in June 🤝
Both games will be held in the Zagreb area with venues TBC
Fri, June 7 | 🇭🇷 v 🇮🇪
Tue, June 11 | 🏴 v 🇮🇪
📝 https://t.co/Pm2Y1V5oaB#IRLU21 | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/RgqcSmbGEe— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 26, 2024
England U20s compete in the Elite League, an eight-nation tournament, and have beaten Germany, Poland and Czechia in their most recent games. They will use the games against U21s opposition to prepare for the next U21 EURO Qualification campaign.
Speaking about the June friendlies, Under-21s Head Coach Jim Crawford said: "We've got 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.
“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.”
Stadiums and ticket information will be announced in due course.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 June International (kick-off Irish time)
Friday, June 7: Croatia U21 v Ireland U21, venue: TBC, KO 5pm
Tuesday, June 11: England U20 vs. Ireland U21, venue: TBC, KO 3pm
