Czech Republic-England is a match valid for the group stage of the European Under-21 Championship 2023 and will be played on Thursday at 18:00: formations, predictions.
One of the most interesting and potentially most balanced groups of this Under-21 European Championship is certainly group C, in which two of the main contenders for the title have been drawn: reigning champions Germany and England, who, despite not having won for almost forty years – the only triumphs of the Three Lions’ selection date back to 1982 and 1984 – cannot but be considered among the favourites.
The English and Germans, in theory, should have no problem finishing in the top two places, but both the Czech Republic and Israel could prove to be pitfalls – the first day has already provided surprises, such as Georgia’s victory over Portugal – and it would be a mistake to underestimate them. England this time will have to be able to bear the enormous weight of expectations, which as usual are always very high. Led by Lee Carsley, the Young Lions dominated their qualifying group, picking up 25 points from 30, scoring 26 goals and conceding just seven.
England are targeting Smith-Rowe
However, in recent friendlies the results have been mixed: they have beaten battleships such as Italy, Germany and France but between March and June they were surprised by Croatia and Japan. In terms of call-ups, there is certainly no shortage of talent in England’s squad, especially on the offensive side.
Karabec
But the fact that the Reims striker on loan from Arsenal, Folarin Balogun, finally chose to answer the call of the United States represents a not inconsiderable loss, given that he had already scored seven goals with the English Under-21 team. It will therefore be the turn of another Gunners’ jewel to drag the Young Lions, striker Emil Smith-Rowe, star of the selection along with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. Both will be starters against a Czech Republic side that has not won in its last five matches and qualified thanks to their success in the first leg of the play-off against Iceland. Sparta Prague’s young talent, midfielder Adam Karabec, should be watched.
The Prediction
The Czech Republic and England have already faced each other during the qualifying rounds, and both the first leg and the return leg were won by the English (3-1 and 1-2). The victory of the Carsley-led selection does not seem to be in question, in a match in which Smith-Rowe and his team-mates should also be able to keep their goals unbroken: the Czech attack has barely scored two goals in their last four matches.
The official Czech Republic-England matchday squad
- REPUBLIC CZECH U21 (4-3-3): Jaros; Gabriel, Vitik, Pojezny, Fukala; Zamburek, Cerv, Karabec; Jurasek, Sejk, Valenta.
- INGHILTERRA U21 (4-3-3): Trafford; Aarons, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Thomas; Ramsey, Skipp, Elliott; Madueke, Gibbs-White, Smith Rowe.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-2
