Verdict: Germany U21s double chance
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing that they can officially punch their EURO U21 knockout stage ticket on Wednesday night, England will meet arch-rivals Germany in Nitra.
England U21s
Starting with England, while the Three Lions might have opened up their EURO U21 adventure with a hard-fought 3-1 victory against the Czech Republic, Lee Carsley’s side came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Missing out on what was billed as a golden opportunity as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Slovenia, they are still waiting to officially punch their knockout stage ticket. Although a single point might be enough on Wednesday night, England have struggled to find much fluidity on ether side of opening 2025. Despite cruising their way to this this summer’s tournament and not having to get out of third gear, the Three Lions have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their six appearances across all competitions.
England U21s Team News
Putting in what was a toothless performance against Slovenia on Wednesday night, Carsley could be tempted to make some alterations here. Both Brighton starlet Jack Hinshelwood and Birmingham marksman Jay Stansfield could be handed a first start of the summer here.
Despite completing a free transfer to French giants Marseille last week, ex-Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley will settle for a spot on the bench in Nitra. Helping Newcastle to another famous Champions League ticket last season, Valentino Livramento will start at left-back.
Germany U21s
As for Germany, embarking on what was a sensational EURO U21 qualifying romp last year, the Nationalelf suddenly find themselves pencilled in as a standout title contender this summer. Getting proceedings underway last week with a routine 3-0 romp against Slovenia, Antonio Di Salvo’s side certainly laid down another heavyweight marker on Sunday. Clinching an action-packed 4-2 win against the Czech Republic, Germany have cruised their way to a knockout stage ticket and the mood in their camp appears to be at a red-hot high. In fact, despite getting hit with a 2-0 loss when they last met England back in the summer of 2023, Di Salvo’s side are unbeaten over the past 24 months across all competitions and they have received a fearsome reputation from across the continent.
Germany U21s Team News
Opening his Group B campaign with a famous hat-trick against Slovenia on June 12th and once again adding to his tally against the Czech Republic on Sunday, the red-hot Nick Woltemade will play a leading role in the final third. Likewise, opening his account over the weekend, Hannover’s Nicolo Tresoldi will partner Woltemade in attack.
Making 21 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season in what was his maiden campaign among England’s elite, Brajan Gruda will feature here. Reportedly attracting plenty of European interest, Freiburg shot-stopper Noah Atubolu will start between the sticks.
England U21s vs Germany U21s Key Factors to Consider
When England and Germany last met at the EURO U21 finals two years ago, the Three Lions collected a 2-0 victory.
However, Carsley’s camp have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Germany have won their opening two Group B appearances this summer by an aggregate score of 7-2.
In fact, already booking their knockout stage ticket, Germany have not suffered a single defeat across any competition since the 2-0 loss against England back in the summer of 2023.
Nine of Germany’s past 10 appearances across all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While England might only need a single point on Wednesday night to officially follow Germany out of Group B, the Three Lions will be more than aware that they face a heavyweight challenge against their arch-rivals. Despite landing a 2-0 victory when they last met Nationalelf back in the summer of 2023, Germany have embarked on a sensational rise over the past 24 months. Already cruising their way to a knockout stage ticket and winning each of their first two EURO U21 showdowns by an aggregate score of 7-2, Carsley’s inconsistent squad will certainly have some real pressure on their shoulders in Nitra.
Verdict: Germany U21s double chance
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
