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Changes needed for Lions

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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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Algeria record much needed win

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Algeria secured a 1-0 win over the UAE in Germany in their final pre-World Cup match (Algeria 500/1 outright winners).

Karim Ziani scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the second half as coach Rabah Saadane answered some of the critics who rounded on him in the defeat in Ireland last week.

The squad Saadane used included defensive pillars Madjid Bougherra and Antar Yahia as well as Medhi Lacen in midfield, while under-fire Yazid Mansouri kept his place in the starting line-up despite his poor showing against Ireland.

Srecko Katanec’s UAE team were well organised early on and put pressure on Faouzi Chaouchi on two occasions.

Algeria should have taken the lead in the 17th minute after an inspired run by Ziani who found Rafik Djebbour in the box but the AEK Athens forward failed to get on the end of the pass.

The game was a sloppy yet energetic affair, with the UAE more than holding their own against their World Cup-bound opponents.

Forwards Matar and Ahmed Khalil were doing their best to trouble the resolute Algerian backline while the Fennecs attempted to inject as much pace into the game as possible, desperately in search of their first goal in three matches.

The start of the second half saw Khalil once again pestering the Algerians with his constant pressure but Chaouchi was alert and brave to come out of his goal and make a vital clearance.

Four minutes into the second half, Algeria won a penalty when Sabil handled the ball in his area. Ziani stepped up and blasted the ball past Humaid with a powerful shot to give the Desert Foxes a 1-0 lead.

Faisal Khalil was subbed into the match for Al Shihi in the 54th minute as Katanec looked for more offensive solutions. Saadane countered by putting in Ghezzal for Rafik Saifi, Djebbour for Boudebouz, and Foued Kadir for Mansouri.

Algeria dominated possession for the rest of the encounter but still couldn’t add a second and remain without a goal from open play in their last three four outings.

Saadane said after the game: “This game was a good test for us. It was very tough and a high level.

“It demonstrated the capabilities of the team, especially with the players returning from injury and took us a step closer to where we want to be. There was a lot of willingness on the part of players, who have given a great deal in these last few weeks.”

He added: “Among the positives are the physicality of the players. We played an attacking game today to try and win, given our status as a World Cup team.

“There were many problems with ball retention. No one could keep the ball and I asked the players at half-time to improve on this and they did in the second half. There are still some problems in attack, where our finishing was lacking. Hopefully we’ll have this during the World Cup.”

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