England-Israel is a match in the group stage of the European Under-21 Championship 2023 and is played on Sunday at 18:00: line-ups and predictions.
Lee Carsley’s England halfway through their first outing at the European Under-21 Championships in Romania and Georgia. The Young Lions brought home three vital points, especially in light of Germany’s misstep. But the match against the Czech Republic was not a straightforward one. They should have dominated but only broke the deadlock in the second half after squandering numerous chances.
The goal scored by Aston Villa talent Jacob Ramsey at the start of the second half was decisive, but the Englishmen only sealed it in the second half, making it 2-0 in the last gasp and chasing away the scare through Arsenal striker Emil Smith-Rowe. It was a success that, in any case, allowed Carsley’s men to secure top spot in Group C, ahead of the direct clash with the Germans on the third day of the group stage. England now have a significant advantage, which they must try not to squander in the match against Israel. The aim, of course, is to stay on a full points lead and be more concrete than last Wednesday’s performance. Reaching qualification, meanwhile, should not be a problem: another three points would avert the Young Lions’ sixth group stage elimination in the last seven editions of the continental competition. Israel, however, are ready to sell their skins.
Against reigning European champions Germany, Guy Luzon’s selection managed to avoid defeat: they showed that they are an organised team, which also relies on some good individuality – the striker Turgeman, who had also shown himself at the U20 World Cup, scored straight away – but to come out unscathed against the Germans, who missed two penalties, they also needed a hand from Lady Luck.
The Prediction
England will not take the risk of underestimating Israel: another win should come, which will likely mean qualification. The feeling is that the Israelis have already taken advantage of a few bonuses – the penalties missed by Germany are sensational – and in all likelihood they will not be able to avoid defeat. It cannot be ruled out that the English keep their goal unbroken, scoring at least one goal in each half.
England-Israel official line-ups
- INGHILTERRA U21 (4-4-2): Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Madueke, Jones, Gomes, Ramsey; Gibbs-White, Gordon.
- ISRAEL U21 (3-4-2-1): Peretz; Gandelman, Cohen, Lemkin; Jaber, Azoulay, Bar, Revivo; Layous, Bilu; Turgeman.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0