England U21 v Romania U21
Friday 21st June 1730hrs
Football – International – UEFA U21 Championship
Pick England win and both teams to score
Bookmaker Bet Victor
Odds: 9/4 (odds taken 21.55 GMT, Wednesday 19th June)
England were regarded as one of the favourites to win these Championships but have work to do. Romania, on the other hand, blew Croatia away and will be full of confidence for this.
UEFA U21 Championship Betting at Bet Victor
England U21 Preview – Can one of the pre-tournament favourites respond after opening defeat?
England have performed incredibly well at recent junior tournaments and with their senior team also performing well there was huge expectancy on this group of players to go all the way in Italy. The English were last European Champions at this level all the way back in 1984. They were winning it for the second consecutive tournament but have failed to be victorious since the competition changed format. Their best recent showing came in 2009 in Sweden when reaching the final. Unfortunately, an old foe in the shape of Germany were standing in their way and demolished them 4-0. Current coach Aidy Boothroyd led England to the semi-final stage two years ago but were once again undone by Germany, who went on to win it.
For long spells of their opening game against France it was going so well. Phil Foden’s goal looked to have won them the points but two very late goals undone them. That’s the small margins involved at this level and it leaves England needing wins from here on out. There squad is arguably the best at this tournament, and they need to show that. Hamza Choudry will be missing for this game having been sent off against France.
Romania U21 – Are Romania going to follow up excellent win against Croatia?
Romania are playing in their first UEFA U21 Championship since 1998. As they were the host nation for that tournament this is in fact the first time they have qualified on their own merit. You would not have known that, however, going by their opening game. A 4-1 dismantling of Croatia on Tuesday night surprise more than a few people. Had we been listening to the right people beforehand we should not be overly shocked. There were whispers coming out of Romania that this is the most complete squad they have had any level for a long time. Their opening games certainly seemed to back that up and they will be looking to surprise England, now.
Despite being an extremely inexperienced team playing at this level, Romania were too good in every department for Croatia. A famous name, Ianis Hagi (son of Romania’s greatest ever player Gheorghe) stole the show in that game. The 20-year-old was much heralded before the match and scored his side’s second goal. Having already earned a move to Fiorentina earlier in his career before returning home, there is certainly going to be interest beyond this competition. His stock will only rise further with a big performance against England.
Key-Facts – England U21 v Romania U21
- England were dealt a cruel blow in the final minute sof their first game conceding twice and losing 2-1
- Romania were unfancied by many before the competition but a 4-1 win over Croatia serves as a warning to everybody else
- England defeated Romania 2-1 the last time these teams met and it could be a similar outcome on Friday
England U21 v Romania U21 Betting Advice
Had you looked at this game before the start of the tournament most would have had it down as a banker for England. Boothroyd’s men swept their qualification group and had lost only one game since that semi-final defeat two years ago – which happened to be against Germany in a friendly earlier this month. Romania have also been in very good form the past 18 months. Losing only to Spain and Friday’s opponents in that time. It’s another indication of how competitive they can be, and England will have to be wary.
The England team will feel they were very unfortunate to take nothing from the game against France. Granted the French did miss two penalties but England had been reduced to 10 men with 30 minutes to play. It will be a test for their mentality losing they game the way they did, too. Experience will be key in this situation and England definitely have plenty of that which may see them through. Romania have a lot of threat going forward and will pose problems which makes an England win and both teams to score an appealing bet.
