Czech Republic U21 vs. England U21: Preview and betting tips

The U21 Euro kicks off today, Wednesday 21 June, with the Czech team taking on England to open the European Championships. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

The Czech national team will face Germany, England and Israel in Group C of the European Under-21 Championship. And it is the English who will be a very tough opponent for the Lions at the start.

The Czech team’s preparation for the Euros has not gone well. In March this year, the Czechs played two matches against Belgium (0:0) and the Netherlands (1:1). However, it should be noted that two draws against big European teams are simply not to be taken lightly.

England beat France in their friendlies in March, 4-0, but then lost to Croatia 1-2.

In the last five matches between the two countries, the Czech Republic has lost to England four times and drawn only once (0:0, 2007).

The mainstays of both teams

The Czech national team can rely on goalkeeper Matěj Kovář to be a reliable presence in goal. In defence, coach Jan Suchopárek can rely on Martin Vitík, while the midfield promises solid quality.

There are names from Prague’s “S” – Matěj Jurásek, Adam Karabec or Kryštof Daněk could be of interest. In attack, Suchopárek will rely on Daniel Fil, Václav Sejk, Matěj Koubek and Vasil Kušej.

But it will be very difficult for them to assert themselves against the English. They have Brighton’s goalkeeper Carl Rushworth in goal, while the defensive line is made up of other decent names. For example, Jarrad Branthwaite (PSV) or Levi Colwill (Chelsea).

Midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White, Oliver Skipp or Emile Smith Rowe, plus with strikers Harvey Elliott and Anthony Gordon pose a great danger to England’s offensive efforts.

So what to expect from the upcoming duel? The English will be the favourites, and the current form of the betting is in line with that, with 99% of punters backing England to win.

Sources