England vs Spain betting tips: Under-21 Euros Final preview, predictions, team news and odds

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England vs Spain match preview

16 teams converged on Romania and Georgia less than three weeks ago, with now only two still standing.

So, can England end their 39-year wait for under-21 European Championships glory, or will serial-winners Spain capture a record-breaking title?

England have been imperious en route to this final, winning all five matches, not so much as conceding a goal.

Last Sunday, Lee Carsley’s side battled to a 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal, taking the lead early through Anthony Gordon, before a backs against the wall second half display.

Wednesday’s semi-final against Israel was a very different story though, with the Three Lions scoring thrice in a comfortable victory.

Morgan Gibbs-White actually missed an early penalty, skewing his attempt wide of the target, but made amends shortly after, leaping highest to head home Cole Palmer’s cross.

This’ll be England’s first appearance in the final since 2009, smashed 4-0 by Germany in Malmö back then, seeking to win the trophy for the first time since 1988, with Spain their final opponents back then too.

As for la Rojita, they were probably even more impressive in their semi-final victory, demolishing Ukraine 5-1 at Stadionul Steaua.

What’s most surprising is that Ukraine actually took an early lead in București, but it lasted all of three minutes, with Abel Ruiz bursting through and, just about, bundling home an equaliser.

By half time, Spain were in front, Oihan Sancet with a pin-point strike from outside the box, with the floodgates then opening after the interval.

Antonio Blanco, Aimar Oroz and Sergio Gómez all with lovely strikes, each as unstoppable as the last, with Santi Denia’s team cruising through in the Romanian capital.

Spain are five-times winners of the U21 Euros, a joint-record alongside Italy, and have now reached five of the last seven finals, lifting the trophy in 2011, 2013 and 2019.

So, in the last decade or so, la Rojita have been the undisputed kings of this competition, eyeing up yet another title here.

Who will be hoisting aloft the under-21 European Championships trophy come Saturday night at Batumi Stadium?

England team news

Both Max Aarons and Ben Johnson sat out the semi-final win over Israel suspended, leaving England short of full-back options, with Aarons set to return at left-back, in place of Luke Thomas.

On the other side, James Garner, a midfielder by trade, has been very solid out of position.

Jacob Ramsey picked up an injury against Portugal last weekend, so has gone home, opening the door for Emile Smith Rowe to start.

Over on the right wing, Cole Palmer surprisingly got the nod over Noni Madueke against Israel but, having scored and provided two assists, the Manchester City man has surely done enough to keep his place.

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Gomes, Jones, Palmer, Smith Rowe; Gibbs-White, Gordon.

Spain team news

Santi Denia named the exact same starting XI for both knockout wins, over Switzerland and Ukraine, so he’s unlikely to make any changes here.

This includes Man City’s Sergio Gómez, who’s been deployed on the left-wing at this tournament, and is the competition’s joint-top scorer with three.

Centre-forward Abel Ruiz has also netted three times this summer, taking his tally at U21 level to 13.

Gabri Veiga, Aimar Oroz and Ander Barrenetxea will all be options off the bench, emphasising the strength and depth in this squad.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Tenas; V Gómez, Paredes, Pacheco, Miranda; Blanco, Baena, Sanset; Sánchez, S Gómez, Ruiz.

Under-21 Euros semi-final results

Under-21 Euros quarter-final results

Under-21 Euros Group B table

Under-21 Euros Group C table

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