The manager’s side were exemplary in the last tournament on their way to the championship, conceding no goals and scoring 11. However, given the lack of build-up ahead of the 2025 edition, Carsley has warned against a repeat this time.
Speaking at Dunajska Streda’s DAC Stadium, where England will take on Czech Republic from 21:00 CET, Carsley admitted that they are unlikely to be at their best during the first game.
He explained: “We will play a little bit differently (in this tournament). It's not a case of replacing like for like.
“It's a case of being able to adapt and I think we've shown that. I expect at times tomorrow against a really strong Czech team that it may look a little bit unorganised, it may look a little bit clunky.
“I've made that known to the players as well that they shouldn't expect too much too soon. I think the longer we can stay in the tournament, the more these players can play together.”
The pair met in U21 EURO 2023, where England were 2-0 winners, and given the nature of youth international football, much has changed from that squad in Georgia. Only two players remain from then - Harvey Elliott and Charlie Cresswell - with some tasting tournament football for the first time.
Carsley and his backroom staff have spent their limited time working on tactics rather than physical fitness, and he hopes his side will be able to adapt to the challenges they will face in Slovakia.
He added: “We've got a lot of flexibility within the squad. I think the main thing is that I adapt and put the tactics around the players' attributes, not how I see it, but what they can do and what they're good at. It's a challenge because we've got a lot of really good players.”
One player who will be missing for England Under-21s is Jobe Bellingham. Despite being named in the pre-tournament squad, Bellingham is now in the United States for the Club World Cup, having signed for Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Liam Delap, who is also absent due to club commitments with new side Chelsea, will also be missing from the original squad for the same reason, but Carsley feels that missing the Euros and heading across the pond is a great thing for the pair.
The 51-year-old said: “I think it's brilliant for both the lads. I think the more English players we can have playing at the highest level, long-term, is only going to help the senior team.
“It's a great opportunity for them, and it's a good opportunity for the players that have come in to replace them. We've known about the Club World Cup now for a couple of years, and we've been preparing it for maybe six months in terms of the coming and going.”
UEFA announced on Wednesday that they will be implementing the eight second rule for goalkeepers to avoid time-wasting and any gamesmanship late in games. If a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for longer than the time allowed, a corner will be given to the opposing side. To notify the keeper, the referee will count down from five seconds.
The rule will come into place in tonight’s opening U21 EURO match between Slovakia and Spain, and despite the late announcement, Carsley feels England, as well as starting keeper James Beadle, are well prepared for the change.
“We had a 30-minute presentation on the eight-second rule, so it was very informative. I don't see it being a problem.”
England trained earlier in the day at Samorin, with only Jack Hinshelwood missing due to personal reasons, but he is expected to meet up with the squad on Thursday. Tom Fellows is also on standby to join up with the U21s following Bellingham's departure.
After their match against the Czechs on Thursday, England travel to Nitra to face Slovenia and then Germany.