ENGLAND’S Young Lions are looking forward to a stern test as they face Ukraine at a sold-out Vitality Stadium tonight.

The under-21s face the eastern European side in a top-of-the-table clash at Dean Court as qualifying for the European Championships reaches the sharp end.

Ukraine sit top of qualifying group F, having won all eight of their games so far, while England sit second with six wins, a draw and one defeat.

That defeat came in the reverse of tonight’s game in October last year, where Ukraine emerged as 3-2 victors on the night, thanks to a stoppage time winner.

Speaking to the Daily Echo ahead of the game in Bournemouth, interim head coach Ben Futcher said it will be ‘fantastic’ to play in front of a sold-out Vitality Stadium.

England last played at the Vitality Stadium in 2022. (Image: PA)“[The] lads are really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I was down there the other week actually watching a game. It's a really good atmosphere.

“So to get the stadium sold out is fantastic.

“It's going to be a good game and hopefully we can put on a show and the fans can enjoy what they see.”

On the threat of Ukraine, Futcher said they will be hard to beat – but that they see themselves as a tough game for their opponents, too.

“Obviously, they’re top of the group,” he said.

“I think they've won all the games, that says how difficult it's going to be.

“But we focus on ourselves. We're confident in what we do and what we're about, so it's a game we're really looking forward to.

“It's a sellout crowd, so it'll be great for the players. So, it's a challenge looking forward to. And if we perform well, we've got every chance.”

(Image: PA) Cherries midfielder Alex Scott is part of the squad that will play on Friday night.

Asked about what Scott brings to the group, Futcher said: “Alex is a fantastic character. It's the second time I've worked with him.

“Excellent player, really good in the group.

“We've got a lot of talented players along with Alex, so he's looking forward to it like we all are, and we'll see what Friday brings.”

England U21s vs Ukraine U21s kicks off at 7.45pm under the lights at the Vitality Stadium tonight, Friday, October 11.