Football Bet of the Day: 5/1 for more England joy

Wednesday’s Football Bet of the Day focuses on a massive game for England U21, as they take on Netherlands U21 (17:00, Channel 4) in the Under-21 European Championship semi-final.

The Young Lions progressed with a brilliant win over Spain in the quarters, and they are targeting another final appearance on Wednesday night. 

I wasn’t overly convinced by Lee Carsley’s men in the group stage, but they are growing into this tournament. I backed them to get the job done against Spain, while also backing both teams to get on the scoresheet, and that came in on Saturday at a healthy 5/1. 

As we approach this game in Bratislava, I’m keen to back England U21 to get the job done again. Carsley saw his side get off to a flying start against Spain, as James McAtee and Harvey Elliott found the net within 15 minutes. 

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That put the quarter-final firmly in their favour, and from there they had the game under control, eventually coming out as 3-1 winners. Having emerged through that challenge, I now believe they can reach the final, up against the Netherlands U21 in the semis. The Dutch impressively beat Portugal U21 with 10 men, after Ruben van Bommel was sent off after 20 minutes. 

After sitting in all game, they struck on the counter late on as Ernest Poku sent them through to the semi-finals in the 84th minute. Portugal failed to make their 74% possession count, but I think England’s attack will be able to get some joy against this Dutch outfit.

They failed to fire in the group stage, as they drew with Finland and lost to Denmark, before scraping through with a 2-0 win over Ukraine in which they were also reduced to 10. That ill-discipline could come back to cost them in this semi, but instead of simply backing an England win, I’m going to take advantage of one of Betfred’s Price Boosts. 

Goalscoring has been easy for England at this tournament, and both teams have scored in three of their four matches so far. Given the Dutch have scored in every match so far, England are likely to have to score over 1.5 goals to win this match. 

I also believe that the attacking strength that Carsley possesses will mean that his team come out of the blocks quickly. Jay Stansfield or Jonathan Rowe will start up front, but the talent in behind should win England this semi. Omari Hutchinson, McAtee and Elliott are all top talents, leaving Ethan Nwaneri on the bench, and that should be enough for the Young Lions to dominate. 

England U21 vs Spain U21 Odds

Six-plus shots on target and 6+ corners also feels doable if they approach this semi-final without fear. They managed seven corners v Spain, while England’s men beat the Netherlands in the semi-final of Euro 2024 last summer, so let’s see if the young guns can repeat that feat. 

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