Northern Ireland attacker Conor McMenamin revealed his emotions were “all over the place” before Glentoran eventually agreed a deal with St Mirren for a move to Paisley.
After weeks of negotiations which left the winger “too many times” feeling the transfer was not going to happen – and after the 27-year-old and his agents made financial sacrifices – he joined the Buddies on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to clearance with Saints holding the option of a further year.
McMenamin, cousin of Buddies midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce, spoke about the “bit of tug-of-war” before he arrived in Scotland.
He said: “For weeks it was back and forth. We were close, we weren’t close. It was off, it was on. It was really hard to take.
“My head was all over the place for a while but we are here now and I am delighted to be here.
“The club couldn’t reach the transfer fee. Glentoran obviously had a number in their head and it had to be met or the move wasn’t happening.
“It was my determination to make it happen. So we all got together and did our bit to make the move and hopefully that will pay off.
“Great credit to my agents Brian Adair and Keith Gillespie, they worked really hard to get the deal done, and obviously myself and St Mirren, we all played our part in getting the deal done.
“I am really excited and hopefully I can hit the ground running. It is a big challenge for me and I wanted to try it. Hopefully I can put my stamp on the Scottish league.”
McMenamin put his career in social work on hold to attempt to go as far as he can in football.
The former Linfield and Cliftonville player said: “Three and a half years ago I was still in a part-time job and I went full-time and it’s really kicked on since I went full-time.
“I went full-time with Glentoran and sort of got a taste for it and it has brought my game to a new level, obviously with Northern Ireland and now I find myself here.
“I was training to be a social worker. I worked in health care and then I took a career break.
“Hopefully in the years to come I might look at it again but now I am fully focused on football.
“That’s why I was obviously so determined to make the deal happen. I am 27 now, I am not a young boy, coming into my peak years some would say, so I was really determined to make it happen. Hopefully I can kick on.
“It is a new experience for me and if you don’t try it you will never know.”
Footballers’ union boss Maheta Molango has highlighted the value of collective bargaining agreements in women’s sport, in a week featuring a World Cup bonus dispute between the England squad and the Football Association.
The PA news agency understands the Lionesses have been left disappointed by the fact the FA will not follow the lead of the Australian and American federations – where CBAs are in place – in paying bonuses on top of prize money being paid to players direct by tournament organiser FIFA.
Players are also understood to be frustrated over a lack of clarity over what their cut from any commercial deals done by the FA linked to the Lionesses will be, as well as the restrictions around their personal sponsorships.
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Molango, speaking at an event to mark the Professional Players Federation’s Female Athlete Week this week, said: “We are seeing now, with many countries who are going to the World Cup, players being prepared to stand their ground when they don’t think they are being listened to.
“Issues like this really highlight for players the value of the kind of collective bargaining agreements that countries like the USA have in place in their sports, which strong player unions and associations are crucial to achieving.”
The FA has been approached for comment.
Discrimination in cricket was highlighted in a damning independent report published last week, which said sexism and misogyny towards women in the sport was “routine”.
Crucially, it called for average pay to be equalised in the domestic game by 2029 and by 2030 at international level.
Rob Lynch, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, said at the same PPF event: “Whilst we must have that collaborative relationship (with the England and Wales Cricket Board), by virtue of the fact that they are the governing body and we represent the players, we are going to have issues and will need to have robust conversations.
“For the PCA, the collective voice is so key. When we have an issue, we need to go back to the players, explain it to them and ask them to stay tight.
“Fundamentally, keeping our players closely aligned on key topics allows us to represent their interests in the strongest way.”
Former England Under-21s goalkeeper Joe Lewis has left Aberdeen after seven years at the club.
The 35-year-old lost his position as first-choice last season and has now departed Pittodrie.
Lewis, who moved to Scotland from Cardiff, had previously captained the Dons before Kelle Roos ousted him as Barry Robson’s preferred goalkeeper.
“I’ve got so many good memories here at Aberdeen, both on and off the field, and I’ve made many friends within the club, so it feels quite emotional to be moving,” the former Norwich man told the club’s official website.
“I have no regrets; I’ve always tried my hardest every time I wore the shirt and I’m enormously proud to have captained the club and played as many games as I did.”
Manager Robson said: “Joe has been a colossal figure at the club for many years and he can be extremely proud of his contribution to Aberdeen FC.
“Both on and off the pitch, he has been a leader. Not only an outstanding goalkeeper, but a proper professional and exactly the type you want in and around your dressing room.
“I would like to thank Joe personally and wish him well for whatever is next.”
What the papers say
Manchester United are preparing a big-money move for a new striker, according to the Daily Telegraph. The paper reports United will make a £50million swoop for Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, 20, from Atalanta.
Another Dane could be heading out of the Premier League with Atletico Madrid approaching Tottenham over a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, reports the Daily Mail. Bayern Munich have also been linked with the 27-year-old midfielder.
Chelsea will have to dig deep in their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Daily Telegraph reports they will need to pay more than £100m for the 21-year-old from Ecuador.
West Ham are looking at a potential move for midfielder Denis Zakaria from Juventus. The Guardian said the Switzerland international, 26, could head to London on loan with an option to buy for £14.5m.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Max Kilman: Wolves have turned down a £30m bid from Napoli for the English defender, 26.
Wilfried Zaha: The Crystal Palace forward, 30, is considering offers from Lazio, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr.
Vera Pauw says Republic of Ireland must wait to discover the extent of the injury that captain Katie McCabe suffered only two weeks before their opening World Cup game.
Arsenal player McCabe rolled her ankle during the first half of the 3-0 Dublin defeat to France as Ireland received a painful World Cup send-off.
McCabe had to be substituted after 29 minutes and Republic manager Pauw admitted they now have to play a waiting game ahead of their World Cup opener against tournament hosts Australia on July 20.
“It’s an ankle injury, she rolled over, she stepped off the foot of the opponent and we can’t say anything now,” Pauw told RTE after Ireland were picked apart after making a promising start at the Tallaght Stadium.
“We’ll see how it goes but hopefully it will not be too bad.
“Katie was fantastic on the pitch and you miss that. It definitely changed the game, we were in control (until the injury).
“You can not blame the one coming on. Issy (Atkinson) did really well but Katie is extraordinary and of course you miss that immensely.”
Ireland should have been ahead after 11 minutes when Kyra Carusa finished Sinead Farrelly’s flick on.
The goal was ruled out for offside despite television replays showing that Carusa had timed her run perfectly.
With no VAR to correct the decision, France – ranked fifth in the world and 17 places higher than Ireland – made the most of their good fortune after McCabe had left the action.
Maelle Lakrar and Eugenie Le Sommer struck in first-half stoppage time, and the former sealed matters with a powerful header just after the hour mark.
Pauw said: “We were all so proud and it was such a shame in two minutes that we had individual mistakes.
“That is why we play these games, France is one of the candidates to become world champions.
“You could see the difference in quality and we know that. We’re not there but it’s a very good exercise.
“You learn from playing this level and from these little details that you have to be better.”
Robin Koch has started the expected exodus at Leeds following relegation from the Premier League by joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the 2023/24 campaign.
The 26-year-old German defender spent three seasons at Elland Road, making 77 appearances.
Koch said on Instagram: “Dear LUFC fans, at this point I look back on three wonderful and exciting years in Leeds.
“To play for Leeds United and in front of you unforgettable fans, to defend for these colours, to celebrate with you, to even lead the team onto the pitch as captain, was a special honor and pleasure during the last three seasons.
“All the moments I have experienced together with you and especially at Elland Road, great victories and bitter defeats, have made me the person I am today.
“These are impressions and feelings that cannot be put into words and that have made me very proud and happy that my path as a professional footballer has led me to this club. I have taken Leeds United into my heart.
“I have met many, many great people here up to this point, and my greatest thanks go to them. To all the people in charge at the club, all the staff, my coaches, my teammates and, of course, you fans!
“I wish the club, the city and all of you only the best and hope that you will remember me well. I will definitely do so. Thanks for everything so far! Yours Robin.”
Boss Michael Beale believes Nigeria forward Cyriel Dessers will bring “personality and leadership” to his Rangers team.
Dessers became the sixth new arrival at Ibrox this summer upon joining from Cremonese on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
“We are delighted to have Cyriel joining our club,” Beale told the official Rangers website after the four-times capped Dessers had completed his move from Italy.
“He brings a lot of experience from playing in Holland, Belgium and Italy, as well as in European competitions.
“We were looking for a very specific profile and believe that Cyriel will give us a variety of qualities both in and out of possession.
“When we met, we spoke at length about his alignment to our style of play and the other forwards we have in our squad.
“At 28-years-old, he is at a good age and will bring personality and leadership to our team. Cyriel pushed extremely hard to make this transfer a reality and showed a huge desire to come here.
“We are very happy to have him and his family joining us at Rangers. He is an excellent addition to our squad and I look forward to working with him closely over the coming seasons.”
Dessers was born in Belgium and spent several seasons in the Belgian Pro-League with OH Leuven, Lokeren and Genk.
He also played for Utrecht, Heracles Almelo and Feyenoord in the Netherlands before joining Cremonese last summer.
“I am really happy, it is a big relief to finally be here,” Dessers said of his Rangers move.
“There have been some long days and some stressful days, but it is a great feeling to finally be here.
“The history of the club, the fans, the stadium, it’s massive but next to that I look at what is here at this moment.
“I had really good talks with Michael Beale about his plans, the ideas of what he wants on and off the pitch and I thought that could be a really good fit for me and for the team so I am happy to be here.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta bid farewell to a “fantastic player and person” as Granit Xhaka left the club for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 30-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga side after a seven-year stint in north London that saw him win the FA Cup twice but also be stripped of the club captaincy.
Xhaka has signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen and the PA news agency understands the deal is worth €25million to the Gunners.
During a topsy-turvy Arsenal career, the Switzerland international was also stripped of the armband by Unai Emery after swearing at supporters as his substitution in a game against Crystal Palace was cheered.
He had decided to leave the club before Arteta was appointed but was convinced to stay and played all-but one Premier League game last season, scoring seven goals from midfield, including two on the final day of the campaign.
Speaking about Xhaka, Arteta enthused about the midfielder, saying: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us.
“It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his team-mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is.
“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”
Xhaka himself is now ready for the start of the next leg of his career, returning to the Bundesliga where he represented Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Arsenal in 2016.
“I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London,” he told Leverkusen’s official website.
“Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets. Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Discussions with the management have been incredibly motivating. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something – I’m very much looking forward to the next few years.”
While Xhaka leaves Arsenal after helping them to finish second in the Premier League last season, winger Reiss Nelson has committed his future to the club by signing a new deal.
The 23-year-old insisted he did not want to miss Arsenal going to the “next level” as he signed a four-year deal, with a one-year option.
Nelson came through ranks with the Gunners but his previous contract had expired having made eight substitute league appearances, scoring a memorable last-gasp goal that saw Arsenal come from two down to beat Bournemouth 3-2.
Arteta’s side ultimately fell short in their title bid as Manchester City pipped them to the crown, but Nelson saw enough to believe there is more to come.
“I’m kind of lost for words, if I’m honest,” Nelson told the club’s official website upon signing his deal.
“I’ve been here since I was eight, I’m 23 now. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’m just so happy. I’ve been here the good years and bad years, and last year especially.
“I’ve seen the rise that Arsenal have taken. Taking them to new heights and I feel like I want to be part of the journey.
“I want to be part of us going to the next level, which I think the boss, Edu, the backroom staff and the new players and the current players are making.
“So it was a train I really didn’t want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I’m glad that I made the right decision.”
On a busy day for Arsenal, the club also announced Steve Round had left his position on the backroom staff.
Round was appointed as an assistant to Arteta when the Spaniard first took the reins in December 2019 having previously filled similar roles at Everton and Manchester United.
Technical director Edu informed staff on Thursday, with Round’s exit a mutual agreement with the club.
Arteta and Edu are currently plotting for Arsenal to go one better than last season, with movement in the transfer market well under way.
Kai Havertz has already joined from Chelsea while a club-record fee has been agreed with West Ham for Declan Rice, who will undergo a medical on Friday.
Ajax full-back Jurrien Timber is the next who could come through the door as Arsenal prepare for a club-record transfer window outlay.
Reiss Nelson did not want to miss Arsenal going to the “next level” as he signed a new four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks with the Gunners but his previous contract had expired before he agreed new terms, which include a one-year option.
Nelson made eight substitute appearances in the Premier League last season and scored a memorable last-gasp goal that saw the Gunners come from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2.
Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately fell short in their title bid as Manchester City pipped them to the crown, but Nelson saw enough to believe there is more to come.
“I’m kind of lost for words, if I’m honest,” Nelson told the club’s official website upon signing his deal.
“I’ve been here since I was eight, I’m 23 now. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’m just so happy. I’ve been here the good years and bad years, and last year especially.
“I’ve seen the rise that Arsenal have taken. Taking them to new heights and I feel like I want to be part of the journey.
“I want to be part of us going to the next level, which I think the boss, Edu, the backroom staff and the new players and the current players are making.
“So it was a train I really didn’t want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I’m glad that I made the right decision.”
The former England Under-21 international also hit a brace in a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest as he played a bit part in Arsenal’s forlorn title bid.
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“Reiss is a player I have admired since the first day I was here,” said Arteta.
“He has tremendous ability and is such an exciting offensive talent. Reiss knows how important he is to our squad with the quality he has.
“It’s great that Reiss has committed his future to us – he knows this club so well, he grew up here and we look forward to enjoying many more good moments with him.”
While Nelson has extended his stay at the Emirates, Arsenal announced Steve Round has left his position on the backroom staff.
Round was appointed as an assistant to Arteta when the Spaniard first took the reins in December 2019 having previously filled similar roles at Everton and Manchester United.
Technical director Edu informed staff on Thursday, with Round’s exit a mutual agreement with the club.
Arteta and Edu are currently plotting for Arsenal to go one better than last season, where they finished runners-up to champions Manchester City.
Kai Havertz has already joined from Chelsea while a club-record fee has been agreed with West Ham for Declan Rice, who will undergo a medical on Friday.
Ajax full-back Jurrien Timber is the next who could come through the door as Arsenal prepare for a club-record transfer window outlay.
Daizen Maeda has handed Celtic another attacking boost by signing a new deal until June 2027.
The 25-year-old Japan forward has become a key player for the Hoops since taking only four minutes to score his first Celtic goal on debut against Hibernian in January 2022, following his move from Yokohama F Marinos, initially on loan.
Fellow Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi also signed a new deal earlier in the week which takes him to 2027 and has now been joined by Maeda, who scored in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Croatia amidst a treble-winning season for Celtic.
He told the club’s official website: “It is a very happy moment for me and my family.
“Since we moved from Japan, everyone at the club and, of course, the supporters have been amazing and we are enjoying our life in Scotland.
“Celtic is a special club so I’m very pleased to extend my stay here. When I signed I said that my ultimate goal was to win the league and we have done so, twice.
“Becoming a treble winner last season has been one of the highlights of my career but we must now prepare for next season.
“Our aim will remain the same, to work hard together with the manager to bring success to the club and our supporters.
“We have three trophies to defend, and we also have Champions League football, so I am excited to get started.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Daizen has many qualities that I like in a player – high intensity, attack-minded and his work rate on and off the ball is exceptional.
“He has played a key role in the team since he arrived, helping to secure yet another treble for the club so I am delighted we have been able to secure a new deal with him.
“Daizen’s attributes make him a really exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him.”
The FA Cup will be “forever diminished” if a deal is done with the Premier League over the sale of the competition’s overseas rights, according to a member of the Culture, Media and Sport parliamentary committee.
The PA news agency understands the Football Association is considering a long-term arrangement where the Premier League sells the international rights to the FA Cup bundled alongside its own rights, with a view to a collective deal netting more money for both parties.
Labour MP Clive Efford, who sits on the CMS committee which took evidence from the FA and the Premier League on football regulation in March, believes such a deal would place undue control over the FA Cup in the Premier League’s hands.
“The Premier League has shown its contempt for the FA Cup in the past,” Efford told the PA news agency.
“Why would anyone who has any concern about the future of the FA Cup put the Premier League in charge of it?
“(The FA Cup) is not a competition that (Premier League clubs) value. They prefer the Premier League, the Champions League, that’s what it boils down to. The FA Cup will be forever diminished.
“We (the CMS committee) can ask football to come in and talk to us about it, if we choose to do it.
“I think this is a big issue – it’s the death knell of the FA Cup and the status of the FA Cup.”
The Premier League, FA and EFL have been in separate dialogue over a ‘New Deal For Football’ over the last 18 months which has included talks on the football calendar.
Within that, the possibility of scrapping FA Cup replays amid the expansion of UEFA’s club competitions from the 2024-25 season is understood to be under discussion.
The Premier League and the FA have not commented on the tender process.
PA understands the process will run until July 17.
The Infront Sports and Media agency said in a statement issued earlier this week it had been selected as the preferred bidder for a portion of the overseas FA Cup rights in early May following the original tender process, but was told by the FA negotiations were being paused because of a third-party offer it had to assess.
Infront said it was considering its legal options and that the FA’s actions “set a dangerous precedent for future tender processes in the industry”.
Efford added: “The FA has to act in the interests of the wider football pyramid and whatever it thinks it might get in the short term in terms of a contract for the coverage of the FA Cup, we’re putting the future status of the competition in the hands of people who’ve shown in the past that they find it a burden on their time.
“(The FA) are just completely in the thrall of the Premier League and I don’t think that’s good for the long-term future the game.”
Barry Robson believes new goalkeeper Ross Doohan will be an “important asset” to Aberdeen.
The 25-year-old has joined the Dons on a two-year deal from EFL League Two side Forest Green to become Robson’s sixth summer signing.
After graduating through the youth ranks at Celtic, Doohan had a loan spells at Ayr, Ross County and Dundee United before he joined Tranmere in 2021, initially on loan, before making the move permanent.
Doohan, capped 13 times at Scotland Under-21 level, earned a move to Forest Green in January 2023.
“Despite his age, Ross has gained a lot of experience, at various levels both here in Scotland and in England,” Robson said.
“He is composed and decisive and we look forward to helping Ross continue his professional development.
“We’ve got a significant number of fixtures to play this season so I am sure Ross will be an important asset for us and will be an excellent addition to the fantastic group of goalkeepers we have here at Aberdeen.”
Doohan has joined the first team at their pre-season training camp in Portugal and is keen to hit the ground running
He said: “I’m very happy to be here. As soon as I heard of the interest, I was keen to get it agreed quickly.
“When I spoke to the manager and Craig Samson, they both re-emphasised everything I knew about how big a club Aberdeen is.
“I know it’s going to be a massive season with European matches to look forward to and it was just an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
“Being here at such a big club is only going to benefit me in the long-term in terms of my development so I am just eager to get started and play a part in helping to deliver success for Aberdeen.”
Levi Colwill will not be leaving Chelsea this summer in spite of continued interest from Liverpool and Brighton, the PA news agency understands.
The club are not willing to entertain offers for the 20-year-old defender, who starred for England Under-21s as they beat Israel 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the European Championship final in Georgia.
He is currently contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2024 with an option of another year if certain criteria are met.
Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton where he made 22 appearances and established himself as a Premier League player as the Seagulls qualified for Europe.
Brighton had been keen to sign the defender permanently, but PA understands Chelsea are not prepared to listen to offers, including from Jurgen Klopp’s side who reportedly made a fresh enquiry this week.
It is also understood that Christian Pulisic’s proposed move to AC Milan is yet to be agreed with the two clubs still apart with their valuation of the player.
The United States international is surplus to requirements under Mauricio Pochettino and has also been the subject of interest from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
The French side have offered something closer to Chelsea’s valuation but it is believed the 24-year-old favours a move to San Siro.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Cesar Azpilicueta has ended his 11-year stay in west London – with the 33-year-old reportedly having agreed a return to Spain to join Atletico Madrid.
It means one of Pochettino’s first tasks as manager will be to appoint a new captain, with regular stand-in from last season Mateo Kovacic having been sold to Manchester City.
Azpilicueta made more than 500 appearances for the club since joining from Marseille in 2012 and established himself as a favourite at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League in 2015 and 2017 as well as leading the side to victory in the Champions League in 2021.
An FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League winner, he appeared in a club-record 13 major cup finals.
Co-controlling owner Todd Boehly told the club’s website: “Coaches and team-mates past and present have trusted (Azpilicueta) to lead by example as captain.
“He has done so immaculately on and off the pitch, something for which we are grateful.”
Joe Hart lavished praise on Kyogo Furuhashi as he described his delight about the Japan striker’s decision to extend his time at Celtic.
The 28-year-old attacker has scored 54 goals in 83 games since signing from Vissel Kobe in 2021 to become a huge fans’ favourite at Parkhead and is now tied to the treble winners until 2027 after signing a new four-year deal earlier in the week.
Speaking at Lennoxtown, where he was promoting James Forrest’s testimonial match against LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao next month, veteran goalkeeper Hart said of Furuhashi’s new contract: “It’s huge, what a great bit of news that is.
“I love him as a person, he’s a beautiful person and he’s an exceptional footballer.
“He has been brilliant since he came in and really shone for us last year in big moments and he really sets the tone for a high-pressing, exciting football team.
“He’s loved here. And obviously he’s felt that because he’s wanted to commit a real important time in his career to this club and we appreciate that.
“I think the statement of the club is that if you want to be here and you’re playing well then you’re welcome. And if you don’t, then we’ll look for someone who does.”
Hart is also impressed by new boss Brendan Rodgers, who has returned to Celtic for a second time as boss after Ange Postecoglou departed for Tottenham.
He said: “We’ve been we’ve only been together a couple of days now but you know he’s an exceptional guy.
“I’ve had run-ins in the past with him as an opponent and actually bumped into him a few times on holiday.
“He is a lovely person first and foremost, which is very important, and a very successful manager with huge drive.
“He laid it on the line, he actually stood here in front of us and let us know how proud he was with what we did last year, but that was last year.
“And we now need to build on it and try and improve and push each other.”
Hart was, perhaps unsurprisingly, less expansive when asked about friend and former England team-mate Jack Butland, who joined Old Firm rivals Rangers from Crystal Palace.
The 36-year-old former Manchester City goalkeeper, who signed for Celtic in 2021, said: “Good move for him. Obviously I go way back with Jack.
“I’m very respectful of the two clubs that we play for so I’m not really going to go into it but I’m happy that he’s found a home.
“I have spoken to him. We’re going to we share the same city but, as I say, I’ve got a lot of respect for what goes on between the two clubs and I’m sure he’s going to go and do his thing and I’ll try and do mine.”
The highly-decorated Forrest came through the youth ranks at Celtic before making his first team debut in 2010.
Hart said: “I’ve not been on the journey with James, but I’ve certainly shared a dressing room with him for the last two years and you wouldn’t think that this guy is the guy that is one of the most decorated and one of the most successful (at Celtic) – a quadruple treble winner right?
“He’s a superb person, someone that I’ve loved sharing the dressing room with.
“What a moment for himself and his family and I really hope I’m going to be a part of it. It’ll be a great night.”
England Under-21s are in Saturday’s Euro 2023 final against Spain as they look to win the tournament for the first time in 39 years.
The Young Lions beat Israel in Wednesday’s semi-final to reach their first final since 2009.
Here the PA news agency looks at some of the focal points ahead of the final.
History makers
It has been 39 years since the Under-21s last won the European Championship.
Then, it was back-to-back victories in 1982 and 1984 but the drought has not ended since. A 4-0 final thumping by Germany in 2009 is the closest they have got.
Lee Carsley’s side can make history in Batumi on Saturday.
Unbeatable England
England go into the final having scored 10 and conceded none. They have not been troubled at the back with James Trafford, close to a £15million switch to Burnley from Manchester City, unbeaten.
The final is a different matter and Spain will provide a sterner test on Saturday. They have scored 50 goals across qualifying and the tournament after thumping Ukraine 5-1 in their semi-final, but there will be a confidence and belief among the squad they can remain unbroken.
A long season
For most, including semi-final scorers Morgan Gibbs-White and Cole Palmer, their season started over 330 days ago.
The new Premier League campaign is just five weeks away and while the squad did manage to get a break before linking up they will be tired, both mentally and physically.
It all adds to the debate about player welfare and how much football players can manage.
A balanced squad
For a long time now the squad has seemed more than the sum of its parts.
Previous Under-21 campaigns have ended with disappointment with teams containing Phil Foden, James Maddison, Jordan Pickford, Tammy Abraham and Harry Kane.
This class have gelled and, while they are all talented players, they have arguably gone under the radar compared to their predecessors.
Spain’s dangerman
England will have to stop Braga’s Abel Ruiz, who will be out for revenge having lost the Under-17 World Cup final to the Young Lions in 2017.
The striker has three goals and two assists for Spain in the tournament and scored the Euros’ fastest-ever strike when he netted after 20 seconds against Croatia.
The 23-year-old also has two senior caps and came through the ranks at Barcelona before a 2020 move to Braga.
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