The England Under-21s have been training at Carrow Road this afternoon ahead of their crunch European U21 Championship qualifier against the Netherlands in Norwich.

The Young Lions go into Thursday night's game five points clear at the top of Group Four after taking 16 points from a possible 18 in qualifying so far.

The game (7.45pm kick-off) against the second-placed rivals will be followed by a trip to Latvia on Tuesday, with Aidy Boothroyd's side knowing two wins will seal their place at next summer's finals in Italy.

MORE: Boothroyd hoping for Carrow Road backing as 'exceptional' Maddison returns to Norwich

Two former Norwich City favourites are in the squad, with last season's number one goalkeeper Angus Gunn and play of the season James Maddison both expected to feature.

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road - Angus Gunn Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road - Angus Gunn Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Norwich-born Gunn, the son of Canaries legend Bryan, has been Boothroyd's first choice during the qualification campaign so far but has played second fiddle to Alex McCarthy since joining Southampton in a £13.5m deal from Manchester City this summer.

However Maddison has started all four of Leicester's games in the premier League so far this season, since sealing a move worth in excess of £20m after a superb season for Norwich.

• Scroll down for more of Antony Kelly's photos of the U21s in training

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road - James Maddison Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road - James Maddison Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: England U21s training at Carrow Road - James Maddison Picture: ANTONY KELLYEngland U21s training at Carrow Road - James Maddison Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: James Maddison and the England U21s trained on the Carrow Road pitch yesterday afternoon Picture: ANTONY KELLYJames Maddison and the England U21s trained on the Carrow Road pitch yesterday afternoon Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)