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Czechia vs England: Head to head statistics
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Czechia vs England recommended bets
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Czechia vs England match preview
England are perennial underachievers at the under-21 European Championships, so will this finally be the year they can deliver success?
The Three Lions won this competition in 1982 and 1984, the latter achieved by a squad featuring Gary Mabbutt, Mark Chamberlain, Steve Hodge, Gary Stevens and Mark Hateley.
In more recent times, England always disappoint at these finals, going out in the group stages at five of the last six editions.
This includes two summers ago, beaten by Switzerland and Portugal, before leading 2-0 against Croatia, a result that would’ve taken them through, only to concede in stoppage time and go out on goal difference.
Now led by Lee Carsley, will the Young Lions avoid yet another group phase elimination?
Czechia meanwhile are seeking to reach the knocked stages for the first time in 12 years, having also fallen at this stage in 2015, 2017 and 2021.
Czech Republic were actually in the same qualifying group as England, losing both meetings, 3-1 at Turf Moor before a 2-1 victory for the visitors at Stadion Střelecký ostrov.
So, most would expect England to prevail at Batumi Stadium, but Czechia will fancy their chances of springing a surprise.
Czechia team news
Vítězslav Jaroš is likely to start in goal; he spent last season on loan at Stockport County from Liverpool, sat on the bench as the Hatters won the League Two play-off final last month.
Jan Žambůrek once of Brentford, is a highly-rated midfielder, while Adam Karabec and Daniel Fila were Czechia’s joint-top scorers in qualifying, both netting four times.
England team news
England’s squad features many familiar faces to Premier League and EFL fans.
James Trafford, who spent last season on loan at Bolton from Manchester City, will be donning the gloves.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis will captain the side at centre-back, while Levi Colwill, Max Aarons, Ben Johnson, Jarrad Branthwaite and Luke Thomas are other defensive options.
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott could start in midfield, in competition for spots with Oliver Skipp, James Garner, Angel Gomes and Jacob Ramsey.
After an injury-hit season for Arsenal, Emile Smith Rowe, who scored for the senior team 18 months ago, will be hoping to use this tournament to rebuild his fitness.
Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White and Cameron Archer complete the array of attacking options.
The top-scorer in qualifying Folarin Balogun is not here though, after he switched allegiance to USA earlier this year.
Under-21 Euros Group C table
Under-21 Euros Group C results and fixtures
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