Kick-off: 2000, 18/06/2019
Stadium: Dino Manuzzi
TV: Sky Sports
England have taken a very strong squad to the European Under-21 Championship and can kick off their Group C campaign by edging out France in Cesena.
The Young Lions have gone 35 years since they last lifted this trophy but reached the semi-finals in 2017 and again appear to mean business.
This is a tricky start, but we’re still siding with Aidy Boothroyd’s team to prevail at 3/2 for our opening England U21 vs France U21 prediction.
A Look At England U21 Betting Odds
England breezed through qualifying, picking up eight wins and two draws from 10 games to top their pool table by eight points ahead of Holland.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke both scored four times, while Aston Villa loan star Tammy Abraham added three more.
Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson also features up front after sparkling for Hoffenheim in Germany last season, with Leicester pair James Maddison and Harvey Barnes joined by Phil Foden of Manchester City in the midfield ranks.
Manchester United target Aaron Wan-Bissaka is among the defenders, with Southampton’s Angus Gunn one of three proven performers between the posts.
Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter, who spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, has been named skipper, having previously captained the Under-19 side and won the Under-20 World Cup two years ago.
He said: “We’ve got a lot of natural leaders in the team and a lot of talent and we’re going to do everything we can to try and win this tournament.”
With so much attacking firepower on show, we like 31/10 for the Young Lions to win and over 2.5 goals in the game from the England U21 vs France U21 odds.
A Look At France U21 Betting Odds
France were also emphatic winners of their qualifying group, posting nine victories and a draw to finish 12 points clear of Slovenia, although it was a pretty weak section.
Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi will be one of the familiar faces, along with Celtic’s Olivier Ntcham and former Hoops striker Moussa Dembele.
However, this is the first time they have made it this far since 2006 and there is a lack of experience in several areas.
Les Bleuets have also been rocked by a couple of key absentees, with Borussia Dortmund defender Abdou Diallo and Lyon forward Martin Terrier, who hit seven goals in qualifying, both sidelined.
We just think the Young Lions have a bit more nous, with 7/1 for dashing winger Nelson to score first a value addition to our England U21 vs France U21 betting tips.
Additional stats
Last qualifying result:
Scotland 0-2 ENGLAND – Nelson, Dowell
FRANCE 1-1 Slovenia – Aouar
Head-to-head: France 3-2 England, France 3-2 England, England 0-2 France, France 2-1 England, England 1-1 France
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