Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the European Under-21 Championship match.
England U21 progressed to the semi-finals as expected, while the Netherlands U21 made a more surprising run, despite losing one of their key players along the way. As a result, their prospects are considered less promising heading into this fixture.
England U21
England U21 gained redemption for their 1:0 loss at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Georgia two years ago by securing an emphatic 3:1 win in Bratislava. The match was effectively decided in the opening 15 minutes, as the squad overpowered Spain with intensity and physicality. The Spanish team conceded the first goal from a corner following a defensive lapse, and just five minutes later, another mistake in their build-up play led to a second. Their goalkeeper also played a part, deflecting a shot into a dangerous area. England U21 looked more robust and athletic, and that edge proved decisive.
Netherlands U21
Although the Netherlands U21 also had a physical advantage over Portugal U21, their victory didn’t come down to size. The Portuguese team failed to make the most of a dominant position following a red card. They enjoyed 73% possession and fired 17 shots, but only three tested their goalkeeper. They even missed a penalty, with the effort hitting the woodwork. Ruben van Bommel was dismissed in the 21st minute after picking up two yellow cards for reckless challenges high up the pitch. Fortunately for the Netherlands U21, Ernest Poku came off the bench and used his pace to beat multiple defenders and the goalkeeper, scoring shortly after his introduction.
England U21 vs Netherlands U21 Prediction
The Netherlands U21 will be without winger Ruben van Bommel, captain and centre-back Devyne Rensch, and midfielder Kenneth Taylor, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. With these key absences, it is hard to see how they will match up against England U21, a squad well-versed in the physicality of English Premier League football.
