SAINTS defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is raring to captain England under-21s in a "big game" at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium.

England's youth side must win to top EURO 2025 qualifying Group F as they take on Ukraine, who lead by five points with only the group winners guaranteed progression.

The three best second-place teams from across the nine groups also guarantee automatic qualification for the tournament in Slovakia.

Harwood-Bellis will lead a star-studded team including the likes of Aston Villa mainstay Morgan Rogers and Ipswich Town's in-form Liam Delap tonight (7:45pm).

Speaking from the Young Lions training camp at Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium, Harwood-Bellis said: "It'll be good, really good. It's a big game for us. 

"As I said. Ukraine are a good side. They beat us away so we know we're coming up against them. They're an organised team and we've worked hard this week.

"Of course, we want to win every game. Obviously, not just because of us getting beat at their place," the 2023 European Championship winner added. 

"I think it's important for the group for us to win the game and hopefully win the group and qualify. But I think we prepare like we do every other game.

"It's not my first thought going into every game but it'd be nice to get my name on the score sheet. Keep a clean sheet first and then we'll go from there."

The clash with Ukraine is England's penultimate qualifier, with a visit from Azerbaijan to Ashton Gate concluding the group on Tuesday, October 15.

England need to win both of their matches and hope Ukraine drop points away to Serbia to finish top of their group and guarantee qualification.

For Harwood-Bellis, the goal of impressing former under-21s boss and current Three Lions interim head coach Lee Carsley remains a constant.

He said: "It's good to be playing in a top league in your own country. I think that's what I'd say most of the boys are aspiring to do.

"It's just playing in the Premier League. It's the best league in the world. It's enjoyable and you just want to stay there for as long as possible.

"I've spent a lot of time working under Lee. It's enjoyable watching him with the seniors. Hopefully, I can push myself to get working under him again."