Czech Republic U21s vs England U21s predictions: Tricky first test for Carsley's boys
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- England were crowned tournament winners of U21 Euros in 2023
- Czech Republic triumphed in 2002 edition
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score
England begin the defence of the European Under-21 crown with a tricky test against Czech Republic Under-21s on Thursday.
The Group B clash is unlikely to be straightforward, but still provides Lee Carsley's side with a good chance of getting off to a winning start as the young Lions look to successfully defend the crown they won two years ago.
Meanwhile, their opponents in Dunajska Streda failed to make it out of the group stage in the 2023 edition and have not won any of their last three games.
Team news
Czech Republic boss Jan Suchoparek is expected to include Sparta Prague defender Martin Suchomel, his club-mate Patrik Vydra in midfield and Famalicao forward Vaclav Sejk, who has 12 goals for his country at this level, in his side.
England have plenty of Premier League experience in their squad and Carsley is set to field the likes of Newcastle's Tino Livramento and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah at the back.
In midfield his options are particularly strong with Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, Jobe Bellingham, who looks set to join Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland this summer, Archie Gray of Tottenham and Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood all set to feature.
Attacking options include Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town, rising Manchester City star James McAtee and exciting Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri.
The stats
The two countries also met in the group stage of this competition two years ago and England won 2-0.
England topped the group that year en route to lifting the trophy, the Czech youngsters finished third in the section.
Czech Republic U21s have failed to win any of their last three games, losing to Norway and drawing with Spain and Belgium.
England's youngsters have lost just one of their last 12 games, to France 5-3 in March, winning eight times and drawing three times.
Prediction
England Under-21s are one of the teams fancied to go far in these Euros and Carsley and his players certainly possess the quality and experience within them to rightly be classed as one of the outright favourites.
Premier League regulars like Livramento, Gray and Anderson, plus the likes of Liverpool starlet Elliott and exciting young Gunner Nwaneri are all fine options to have in a tournament like this and should elevate England above some of their opponents in Slovakia.
That should be the case in their opener, although a tight game is still expected. Czech Republic last won back in November and, while they may end up on the end of a narrow defeat, they should get on the scoresheet.
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