Prediction: England U21 vs Germany U21

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

The U21 European Championship in Poland is slowly drawing to its glorious close as England prepares to lock horns with Germany in a repeat of the 2009 final.

England

The young Lions do not have fond memories of their last meeting with Germany at the Euro U21 with that 2009 4-0 defeat in Malmo still causing plenty of pain in the chest. England, however, are determined to make amends for this defeat and to try and build up on summer success of their U20 compatriots who were crowned world champions in a historic 1-0 final against Venezuela in South Korea. England head into the high-profile match against their historic rivals on the back of two consecutive wins. The young lions are yet to realise their full potential though as it seems that manager Aidy Boothroyd’s men still have a notch higher to go. Clash against a rival as respectable as Germany might come as the perfect chance for Group A leaders to continue momentum and Boothroyd’s men are keen to make it three on the trot however the tall this order might be.

Team News

Nathan Redmond and Nathaniel Chalobah are England’s biggest fitness concerns ahead of the semi-final clash.

Both players were forced to withdraw from England’s final group stage match against Poland and will be assessed on match day.

Germany

Die Mannschaft has displayed great resiliency throughout the tournament thus far, despite the fact they Germany head into the semi-final as Group B runners-up, the best of the lot with +4 goal difference, beating the likes of Slovakia and Portugal to a place in the semi-finals. Germany traditionally boast a talented squad however and will be a great test for England. Germans won three of their last four U21 meetings with young Lions and will have both history and confidence working in their favour. Unlike England, who have at times lacked a cutting edge in Poland, Germany have been a well-oiled attack-oriented machine, undermining defences with pace, movement and great skill. Talent-packed side will have Mahmoud Dahoud as the biggest threat upfront, whereas it is Max Meyer and Maximilian Arnold who have presented themselves as midfield orchestrators, both thriving in the No.10 role.

Team News

Die Mannschaft will field their strongest squad against England, with the exception of former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry, the Bayern Munich’s summer recruit.

Key Factors to Consider

• Germany and England met 5 times at U21 level since 2009
• Germany won three times, England only once during that time
• Both England and Germany kept two clean sheets each in group stage
• England are unbeaten since March
• Germany closed the group stage with a 1-0 defeat by Italy

Conclusion

England have been on a positive run of late, but Germany are not to be underestimated dueo to their impressive, talent-laden squad and a forward-thinking group of men that love to compete and go head to head. Both sides are keen on a place in the final of the competition and we expect a great game.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet365