Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:
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
