ENGLAND Under-21s begin their European Championship title defence on Thursday as they face Czech Republic in their Group B opener.
SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.
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Czech Republic U21 vs England U21 preview
The European U21 Championship kick-starts this week in Slovakia with defending champions England among the favourites to lift the trophy on June 28th.
Lee Carsley is still at the helm after his brief stint as the senior team’s interim manager, and he’s got a pretty difficult assignment on his hands to repeat the feat.
Liam Delap has not been included in the squad following his move to Chelsea, while Jobe Bellingham may withdraw if he completes a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Though only two members of the 2023 winning squad remain, Carsley does still have a flurry of superstars at his disposal.
Liverpool’s Premier League winners Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott are both in the squad, with Manchester City’s James McAtee and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento also included.
England will kick-off their campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday 12 June. Three days later they will face Slovenia, before their final group-stage match against Germany.
As for Thursday’s opener against the Czechs, it’s a game England are expected to win.
The Young Lions won this exact fixture back in 2023 en route to glory and, despite just one win in their last four, England are odds-on at 6/11.
Though their recent form in friendlies hasn’t been great, their form in competitive fixtures is why they are fancied to go deep into the competition.
England have won 14 of their last 16 competitive games, and finished top of Group F in qualifying – scoring a colossal 41 goals and conceding just six!
As for the Czechs, they actually won this tournament back in 2002 but have failed to escape the group stages in their last four appearances.
Czech Republic U21 vs England U21 preview betting odds
Czech Republic U21 19/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Draw 3/1 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
England U21 6/11 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
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Czech Republic U21 vs England U21 preview betting tips and predictions
Goalscorer
Manchester City’s James McAtee and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott were England’s most potent attackers during qualification, scoring five and seven respectively.
Both are reportedly in the shop window this summer, and both will be looking to make a statement to their own clubs and potential suitors during this competition.
It’s a toss ups between the pair but we’re siding with the better priced Elliott at 13/5 with William Hill.
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First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Czech Republic U21 vs England U21
First goalscorer: James McAtee at 11/2 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
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Win to Nil
England have been pretty impressive at the back, if you’re willing to forgive the last few friendlies.
In competitive matches, they’ve registered 12 clean sheets in the last 16 and only shipped six goals during their 10 qualifiers. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, have blanked in three of their six games against England.
England Win to Nil at 7/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
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