It’s déjà vu for Stuart Pearce and his England Under-21s as they must win their last group game at the European Championships to progress to the semi-finals. Two years ago Pearce and his young lions found themselves in a similar position and pulled a rabbit out of the hat as they got the better of Serbia on their way to the final.
This time the Czech Republic stand in the way and to progress England must play with more freedom than they have demonstrated in their first two matches.
England were fortunate to take anything out of their game against Spain, a late smash and grab saving them from losing their first match. Danny Welbeck’s goal could prove vital if the young lions can get a win against the Czechs on Sunday. While there were some positives to take out of the draw with Spain there were few to take from the goalless stalemate against the Ukraine on Wednesday.
It’s not surprising England have drifted to 6/1 to win the European Championships outright based on the game against Ukraine, which scarily reminded fans of the senior side’s 0-0 draw with Algeria in the World Cup last summer. The Under-21s played in fits and starts but still looked devoid of ideas, sending long balls over the top on numerous occasions to little affect.
England skipper Michael Mancienne was asked to play the anchor role in midfield and looked uncomfortable. Jack Rodwell also continued his recent downturn in fortunes and if England are to get the better of the Czech Republic then Pearce should think about changing both players. The England U21 coach has options, with Arsenal’s Henri Lansbury (9/2 to score anytime) having impressed when he has come off the bench. Fabrice Muamba could drop in for Mancienne, having become accustomed to that role while with Bolton. Scott Sinclair (5/2 to score anytime) and Marc Albrighton (10/3) are also waiting for their chances to impress. Expect Pearce to make changes to his team and their mentality for the must-win clash.
Both teams need to win to make sure of a place in the knockout stages and unlike England the Czechs have already proven they can win at this competition, with their victory over the Ukraine. They then tasted defeat against tournament favourites Spain but are still a dangerous side who can not be underestimated. Before Wednesday’s loss to Spain the Czech’s were unbeaten at under-21 level since 2008. Tomas Pekhart is the one to watch out for as far as they are concerned, the former Tottenham youngster having scored 16 goals at this level. He is priced at 2/1 to score anytime.
The head-to-head record is split one apiece in terms of wins, with the other two of four matches having been draws. Another draw in Viborg won’t be enough for England and to succeed they must somehow struggle out of the shackles and play with more freedom. England are evens in the match betting, with the Czechs at 23/10 and the draw at 11/5. If England don’t manage to discover their creative side then it could be another frustrating evening for Pearce, and the draw looks the most likely outcome again for the young lions.
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