I chuckled each time I saw an U21 team was whooped 4-0 or similar. Every real club's mission ought to be smash them kids as hard as possible. Keep them far away from reaching the finals, really is a disrespect to chuck them into this competition
The closest an U21 team has gotten to the final was in 2018 when Chelsea U21s got to the semi-final. Went a goal up massively against the run of play but lost on penalties after Lincoln equalised.
Don't think U21s should be allowed to participate either to be honest. Comes across as a bit insulting and really is just PL teams flexing their squad depth.