Euro U21 Championships: England U21 V Sweden U21 Live – Can Young Lions Bounce Back From Opening Loss?

England U21 V Sweden U21

Sunday 21^st June. 5:00PM. BT Sport 1

The Euro U21 Championships is already shaping up to be a very interesting tournament indeed. There’s a real sense that anybody can beat any other nation on their day, which has generated a huge buzz in the Czech Republic.

Sunday’s highlight sees England look to recover their campaign as they take on Sweden at the Andruv Stadion. The Young Lions will be fancied but this could go either way and we should be in for an intense battle in Olomouc. Hopefully they can clear this hurdle with minimal fuss to regain control of their Euro 2015 dream.

Come on England.

Wounded Lions Ready To Roar Back To Winning Ways

The opening day defeat to Portugal wasn’t quite in Gareth Southgate’s script but it’s far from all over for England, who will be eager to bounce back with a confident win against Sweden.

Despite the scoreline, England weren’t too bad. Some of the reaction was typically hyperbolic but there were some signs of promise. The only real worry is that if plan A doesn’t work then the Young Lions might struggle to find an alternative solution.

Sweden showed their ability against Italy but, on paper at least, England are the better side and must make that show during Sunday’s showdown. The withdrawal of Saido Berahino is a blow but if Southgate’s men can get the ball forward to the likes of Harry Kane, Danny Ings, Nathan Redmond and co, then there should be no reason for the Lions to panic just yet.

England’s fate is still in their hands but they must stand up and be counted for here. It should be a cracking contest.

Sweden Looking To Build On Italy Triumph

It looked doom and gloom for Sweden after 30 minutes against Italy as they trailed 1-0 and had been reduced to 10 men. However, an inspired second half display saw John Guidetti equalise before Isaac Thelin converted a late penalty to claim a memorable win following an Italian red card moments earlier.

Hakan Ericson’s men are now in a great position to reach the last four and will be hoping to use that momentum to great effect as they prepare to tame the Lions. Sweden do enter this contest on the back of an eight-game unbeaten streak too, so they’ve got no reason to fear Sunday’s opponents.

These sides last met at this tournament in 2009, and shared six goals before England won the subsequent penalty shootout to seal their final spot against Germany. However, both teams have naturally changed a lot since then and you have to say that Sweden have probably progressed a little further than England’s youth side.

Nevertheless, Sweden know that they have their work cut out and they cannot afford to suffer a repeat of the opening half hour against Italy. If the Swedes do start well, though, they might just seal their place in the semis once more.

England U21 V Sweden U21 Betting Tips

Despite losing to Portugal in the opening game, England are favourites for Sunday’s meeting and are priced 4/5 with Bet365. Meanwhile, Sweden can be backed at 7/2 whilst the draw is available at 5/2.

As well as Sweden played against Italy, England are a stronger opposition and we think the circumstances will dictate that Southgate’s men come out all guns blazing.

This is a tough test for England, but they can pass it with flying colours. An early goal should set them on their way.

[quote_center]England U21 to be leading at 30 mins @ 11/5 with William Hill[/quote_center]

After all the headlines, we just can’t help thinking that Kane is destined to score England’s first goal in the Czech Republic. As we’re backing the Young Lions to register their first win of the tournament, the first goalscorer market has to appeal.

The odds could be slightly better but this would still be a tasty win. Hopefully the Spurs striker’s incredible campaign isn’t finished just yet.

[quote_center]Harry Kane to score first @ 7/2 with Paddy Power[/quote_center]