Crystal Palace Under-21s return to Premier League International Cup action on Wednesday night (KO: 19:00 BST) when RSC Anderlecht Under-21s visit Sutton United’s 360 Engage Stadium.
Looking to build on their opening 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain and strengthen their bid for the knockout stages, the Young Eagles face another of Europe’s established clubs in their second Group D fixture.
Ahead of the clash, summer signing Taha Majni, Caleb Kporha and goalkeeper Harry Lee discussed the challenge ahead, the differences between English and European opposition, and the importance of Palace supporters getting behind the team.
For Moroccan youth international Majni, Wednesday will mark his first taste of the competition since joining Palace from Moroccan top-flight side Union Touarga over the summer.
The centre-back made his competitive debut in the 2-1 EFL Trophy victory over Swindon Town before featuring against Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2 just before the international break. He expects a technical challenge against one of Belgium’s biggest clubs.
“Anderlecht are one of the biggest teams in Belgium and one of the most exciting clubs in European competitions,” he explained. “They’re more technical than physical, similar to the teams we’ve watched and played against in PL2, so it’s going to be a great match.”
Kporha has already experienced senior football, making two first-team appearances under Oliver Glasner in 2024/25 against Fulham and Arsenal.
After an injury-disrupted campaign last season, the full-back has established himself at right wing-back for the U21s and caught the eye with a fine goal in the EFL Trophy opener against Swindon. He is expecting an entertaining contest on Wednesday.
“Anderlecht are a big team in Belgium, so we’re expecting a big game,” he added. “They’re very technical as well, so it’ll be about managing that. We know we’re facing a good team, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Goalkeeper Lee has also made an impressive start to 2026/27, producing eight saves in the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa before saving a penalty against PSG in Palace’s International Cup opener.
Since joining from Exeter City last summer, Lee has trained with the first team and featured among the substitutes. He anticipates a demanding test against the Belgian visitors.
“Anderlecht are a big club, and we’re expecting a tough test against them,” he noted. “They’re an aggressive side, so we’ll have to be ready for that.”
It’s a really good test for us to see how we can compete against these teams
—Taha Majni
Palace primarily compete in Premier League 2, which features the development sides of all 31 Category One academies, and will also contest the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Trophy this season.
The International Cup brings together 16 Premier League 2 sides and 16 invited European clubs, split into four groups of eight. Each English side faces its four overseas opponents once, with the group winners progressing to the knockout stages.
Palace are in Group D alongside PSG, Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven and FC Porto, with all four fixtures taking place at Sutton.
For Majni, the competition offers valuable experience against different styles of football, requiring players to adapt both technically and in their communication.
“Premier League 2 is generally more physical and less technical than the International Cup,” he explained. “You come up against teams that are more technical and speak different languages, so you have to communicate a lot on the pitch. It’s a really good test for us to see how we can compete against these teams.”
Kporha has noticed a similar contrast, highlighting the importance of Palace’s pressing and ability to win second balls against opponents who prefer to build from the back.
“The Belgian and other European teams are very technical and like to play out from the back, whereas in the Premier League 2 you might see more direct football and quick counter-attacks,” he said.
“It’s about managing their build-up, pressing well and winning those second balls.”
Lee also recognises the need to adapt when facing overseas opposition, both to different playing styles and to the language barriers that can arise.
“It’s a lot different playing against foreign teams, who can be technically very good, and you also have to adapt to the different languages,” he reflected. “But it’s a really good test for us.”
The support is massive
—Harry Lee
With another European challenge ahead, all three players were keen to stress the difference Palace supporters can make, whether cheering from the stands at Sutton or watching on Palace TV+.
Majni believes the crowd can give the Young Eagles an extra edge as they look to make home advantage count.
“The supporters make the team more aggressive and help us stay in the game and fight to win,” he said. “They’re like a 12th man on the pitch, and we hope we’ll have massive support on Wednesday.”
Kporha has already felt that backing at Sutton and hopes more supporters will come along to watch the Academy in action.
“The support is really important. There have been a lot of fans at Sutton recently, and we’ve been hearing them,” he said. “Whether people come to the stadium or watch on Palace TV+, it’s great to have them supporting the Academy boys. Hopefully, some of us can make it through to the first team.”
Lee echoed that message, explaining how a strong crowd can inspire the players to raise their performance.
“The support is massive. The more fans there are in the stadium, the more it lifts the boys and pushes us to work harder. Hopefully, we can get as many fans down there as possible,” he urged.
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Palace U21s v RSC Anderlecht U21s