Broadcast of crucial England tournament could be CANCELLED after 16 years as Sky Sports look to cut costs

THE Under-21 Euros this summer may not be televised in the UK, reports claim.

That means England Under-21s fans face not being able to watch Lee Carsley’s side in action in Romania and Georgia.

The tournament gets underway on June 21.

But UEFA are yet to strike a deal with a UK broadcaster, according to the Daily Mail.

Sky Sports have shown the Under21 Euros for the last 16 years, broadcasting every tournament since 2007.

However, they are yet to bid for this summer’s event.

Sky have cut spending in the last year, which has resulted in reduced coverage of international football.

Channel 4 won the rights to broadcast Gareth Southgate’s senior side in qualifying action for Euro 2024 after Sky chose not to bid.

Although the Mail claim there is currently a “stand-off” between UEFA and terrestrial broadcasters, who are reluctant to air an Under-21 tournament on their main channels.

Today’s friendly against France and Tuesday’s clash with Croatia will both be shown on BBC iPlayer, in line with the qualifying matches.

But the Mail say UEFA want guarantees of bigger audiences for when the tournament kicks off in June.

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Carsley and Co kick off their campaign on June 22 against Czech Republic.

A meeting with Israel follows three days later, before a potentially crunch clash against reigning champions Germany to round off the group stages.

Carsley is reportedly set to consider his future as boss after the tournament.

And the trio of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker would all be in the frame to replace Carsley if he does leave.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk