England U21s are already safely through to the last eight of the European Championship as they prepare to round off their group campaign against Germany.
Following wins over Czech Republic and Israel, the young Lions have comfortably sealed a place in the knock-out stage and top spot in the group to boot so take on the reigning U21 European champions Germany on Wednesday with the pressure off.
Lee Carsley’s men look to be building momentum nicely as the tournament progresses and they sit just behind 3/1 favourites Spain at 7/2 in the outright market but, in contrast, Germany are in real danger of an early exit.
England U21 vs Germany U21 Betting Tips
Date: 28 June, 2023
Time: 17:00
Location: Batumi Arena, Batumi
Team news
England full-back Max Aarons missed the win over Israel due to illness but he could return against the Germans.
Carsley has no fresh injury worries to contend with but he’s expected to rotate his side with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Harvey Elliott, Cole Palmer, Oliver Skipp and Cameron Archer all hoping to be given starts.
Germany forward Angelo Stiller will be checked after he suffered a knock against Czech Republic while striker Youssoufa Moukoko is expected to come into the line-up after he was left on the bench last time.
Draw @ 12/5
England have the rare luxury of playing out their final group game in a summer tournament safe in the knowledge they have already secured top spot in the section. Their progress is thanks to two wins from two so far and the fact if they do lose against Germany they have their better head-to-head record against the Czechs – the only other team who could also reach six points – to fall back on.
However, for Germany they need a victory over the Young Lions to stand any chance of sneaking into second place and even that won’t be enough if Czech Republic draw or beat Israel in the other game.
After already qualifying, England will be full of confidence and will want to make it three wins from three so a close clash is expected against a German side desperate for all three points.
Germany were dominant against Israel but missed chances cost them as they were held to a 1-1 draw in their opener and they were again wasteful in front of goal against the Czech youngsters, who claimed a 2-1 win thanks to efforts from Vaclav Sejk and Martin Vitik, cancelling out Angelo Stiller’s strike.
With England poised to make some changes and possibly take their foot off the gas and with so much more on the line for Germany, it’s tempting to suggest a German win at 11/8 but England have the look of potential tournament winners so backing a draw at 12/5 may be the way to go.
Highest scoring half – Second @ 21/20
Things could get complicated if Israel manage to beat the Czechs in the other game and Germany win as they would both end up on four points and with their head-to-head record level after their draw, goal difference would then decide who finishes as runner-up.
Germany will surely approach the game with an attack-minded approach and there is a chance goals could prove to be crucial as the evening progresses so backing the second half to produce more goal action seems a wise move.
England are expected to contribute to the goal tally in this final group clash having netted four in their first two games, while the Young Lions have only failed to score in one of in their last 19 outings.
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