England U21 vs Ireland U21 Prediction: Young Lions to record another win

England Under-21s will look to maintain their winning start in their Uefa European Championship qualifying group when they host the Republic of Ireland Under-21s at St. Andrew's on Friday (19:45 GMT).

The visitors are unbeaten after their first three outings but they were held to a draw last time out against group leaders Slovakia. Below you will find my England U21 vs Ireland U21 predictions, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

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Team News

Goalkeeper James Beadle has been ruled out due to injury and has returned to Birmingham City for treatment.

Defender Lewis Hall will be looking to gain some valuable minutes during this camp with England after seeing his first few months of the domestic season blighted by injury at Newcastle United.

Rico Lewis is currently not a starting figure at Manchester City and he will be determined to build some momentum before the Premier League returns.

There will be competition for places in the midfield between former Blues youngster Jobe Bellingham, Sydie Peck, Lewis Miley and Josh King, who has been impressing for Fulham this term.

Football Odds

Ireland have no fresh injury concerns to deal with ahead of their trip to Birmingham.

Today's Football Fixtures

England U21 vs Ireland U21 Odds

England are the 1/5 favourites here after winning their opening three fixtures. The Young Lions are yet to concede so backing them to win to nil at 19/20 (implied probability of 51.3%) offers better value.

BTTS - No is on offer at 8/11.

Ireland drew with Slovakia last time out and the stalemate is valued at 9/2. The visitors are 10/1 to come away with the three points.

To Win To Nil - England U21 @ 19/20

Looking at the two squads, there is no doubt in my mind that England boss Lee Carsley has more quality at his disposal than his opposite number Jim Crawford. There are some very talented players in this Young Lions group, and a number of them have extensive first-team experience with their respective clubs.

The Under-21s have been blessed with a lot of good players in recent years and this latest squad is no exemption. After winning the last two editions of the Euros, there will be pressure on this set of Young Lions to make it a hat-trick.

Things are going well for them in qualifying. Their start has been flawless. Three games - three wins with no goals conceded. I think it is only fair to back this record to continue on Friday by going for the hosts to win to nil against Ireland U21.

The visitors have not yet blanked in qualifying but this is going to be the toughest test yet for their attackers and I am confident England's defenders can stand firm.

To Win Both Halves - England @ 7/5

I think there may also be value in backing the Young Lions to win both halves at 7/5. The price looks generous as England have only managed this once in their three qualifiers, which came in the 4-0 routing of Moldova U21.

Also, it is because Ireland are yet to be beaten in qualifying. However, with the attacking options Carsley has to choose from, I think the hosts can demonstrate their firepower in B9 and win both halves for the second time in Group D.

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