England U21 1-2 Croatia U21: Carsley's side slump to defeat

In less-than-ideal circumstances, England Under 21s will stew over a defeat until they meet up again in June.

That will be shortly before their European Championship campaign starts and losing against Croatia on Tuesday night might focus a few minds after thrashing France at the weekend.

Lee Carsley is looking to make sure there is not another Euros failure on England's record after an embarrassing group-stage exit two years ago and this is exactly the sort of result, against lower-ranked opposition, they can ill-afford when the real stuff kicks off.

'It's important we're humble and take this on the chin,' Carsley said. 'I think it was a lesson we needed.'

It was a different test to the rousing victory on Saturday. Whereas France went at England, attempting to dominate the game and subsequently leaving gaps, Croatia were intent on sitting in while playing on the break.

In a sense, it presented a valuable case study for two of the group fixtures against Israel and Czech Republic, whom Carsley's side will be expected to beat without fuss.

But these sort of encounters offer sterner examinations in patience and use of possession. The Young Lions rushed on the ball too often, and unable to break down a deep back line, before falling behind 11 minutes before half-time. The free-kick, taken by Dinamo Zagreb's Martin Baturina, was a stunner, curling away into the top left corner.

A defensive mistake gave Igor Biscan's visitors a second eight minutes after half-time. Luke Thomas tried to nick a crossfield ball he would never reach, allowing Matija Frigan to pounce. With a desperate recovery attempt, Thomas then tripped the attacker inside the box. Dion Drena Beljo sent debutant goalkeeper Josh Griffiths the wrong way.

England got one back late on substitute Morgan Gibbs-White fouled and converting the penalty himself.