by Nia Griffiths

The England under-21s are heading home after another poor performance in the European Championship.

The Three Lions lost 3-1 to Italy on Wednesday and as a result, are out of the competition. For many, the result didn’t come as a shock, as the team haven’t managed to really get started at all during the tournament.

Arsenal’s own Calum Chambers and Carl Jenkinson traveled with the squad, although only the latter featured in the drubbing from the Italians.

Due to the team’s underwhelming performance, questions are now being raised about whether we’re allowing gifted youngsters to progress to the senior team too quickly. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, for example, was swept away at the age of 18 – three years before he needed to. Putting so much pressure on young heads can’t be good.

Instead, it might be worth letting them mature and develop a winner’s mentality. Let them taste success and carry that hunger with them onto the next stage.

From an Arsenal point of view, I’m glad the lads now get a rest and can prepare for the new season. On the other hand, they have to be disappointed so I do feel for them.