Prediction: England U21 vs Spain U21

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With this summer’s European Championship crown up for grabs on Saturday evening, England will meet Spain in Batumi.

England U21

Starting with England, putting in another rampant display earlier in the week as they cruised their way to a routine 3-0 semi-final romp against Israel, the Young Lions have continued to shine this summer. Reaching their first European Championship final since 2009, Lee Carsley’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Storming their way to the knockout stage after winning each of their three Group C appearances by a 2-0 scoreline, the one-time Everton midfielder will be hugely excited by his side’s continued success at the back. In fact, England are yet to concede a single European Championship strike so far this summer. Likewise, winning 13 of their previous 15 matchups across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 2021 – Carlsey’s side will feel that they should be regarded as a standout pick this weekend.

Team News

Notching two European Championship strikes this summer and becoming the focal point of Carsley’s attack, Anthony Gordon should spearhead England’s charge on Saturday evening. Finding the net against Israel in midweek, Manchester City starlet Cole Palmer will be hoping to keep his spot alongside Curtis Jones.

Inching towards a £15million move to Premier League returners Burnley, James Trafford will once again start between the sticks here. Norwich’s Max Aarons should be handed a full return at right-back.

Spain U21

As for Spain, while La Rojita might have only just scrapped their way past Switzerland while on quarter-final duties last week, Santi Denia’s squad certainly laid down a real marker a few days ago. Putting in a rampant performance as they eventually stormed their way to a 5-1 victory against Ukraine, the European giants will take plenty of positives away from that display in Bucharest. However, although the Reds might have matched England in breezing their way to the knockout stage without breaking much of a sweat, Denia will have somewhat of a headache over his side’s recent issues at the back. Signing off their Group B run with an action-packed 2-2 draw against Ukraine on June 27th, Spain have failed to muster a single clean sheet from their last three European Championship appearances.

Team News

Once again finding the net against Ukraine earlier in the week and already bagging three European Championship strikes this summer, Braga striker Abel Ruiz will have a key role to play on Saturday evening. Alex Baena should partner Real Madrid starlet Antonio Blanco at the heart of La Rojita’s midfield.

Becoming a huge part of Spain’s success this summer, Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez should once again play in a more advanced role here. Cementing his spot as Denia’s number one this summer, Barcelona youngster Arnau Tenas will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• The last time Saturday’s finalists met in European Championship action back in 2011, England and Spain played out a 1-1 draw.
• Including their 3-0 semi-final victory against Israel in midweek, England have won all five of their European Championship appearances this summer by an aggregate score of 10-0.
• The Young Lions have won 13 of their previous 15 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 2021.
• Likewise, on a run that also stems back to November 2021, Spain are unbeaten in each of their last 15 appearances across all formats.
• However, La Rojita have failed to record a clean sheet in their last three European Championship appearances.

Conclusion

While Spain might have breezed their way to Saturday’s showpiece event after claiming a stellar 5-1 romp against Ukraine, we could be treated to a far more tactical affair this weekend. With England only continuing to shine this summer and winning all five of their European Championship appearances, the Young Lions have certainly gained a reputation for their extended defensive resolve. Yet to ship a single strike this summer and allowing Israel just a single shot on target earlier in the week, chances might come at a premium here. Meeting for the first time since a 1-1 draw way back in 2011, we are expecting under 3.5 goals in Batumi.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet