England are hoping to progress to a second successive final and ultimately defend their crown when they take on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the U21 UEFA European Championships on Wednesday evening. The Young Lions impressively beat one of the pre-tournament favourites in Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals last time out, while the Dutch dispatched of Portugal 1-0 despite going down to 10 men.
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England U21 vs Netherlands U21 prediction: Young Lions to reach another final?
Key stats
- England have won three of their last five games in total across all competitions.
- Netherlands have scored in each of their previous seven matches in all competitions.
- Both teams are averaging two goals or under per game in the tournament so far.
Correct score prediction: England U21 2-1 Netherlands U21
England seemed to have hit form at the right time when they beat Spain, and given their previous experience of winning the competition, they know what it takes to get over the line. The Netherlands have not been entirely convincing throughout the tournament, and the final may just be a step too far for them.
Pre-game odds and win probability: England favoured by bookmakers
- HOME: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, England are favoured by bookmakers to win the match and progress to the final. Interestingly, a Netherlands win in normal time is rated above a draw.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Netherlands have some hope
Netherlands are actually unbeaten in four previous H2Hs against England, which should offer them some hope of causing an upset. However, only one of those resulted in a victory, with three ending as draws.
U21 International 18/11/24
Netherlands U21
England U21
U21 International 19/11/19
Netherlands U21
England U21
European U21 Championship Qual 06/09/18
England U21
Netherlands U21
European U21 Championship Qual 01/09/17
Netherlands U21
England U21
England U21 preview: Carsley to go unchanged?
Lee Carsley may be tempted to field the same starting XI that beat Spain, with England having no new injuries or suspensions to report.
Predicted lineup: Beadle (GK), Livramento, Quansah, Cresswell, Gray, Anderson, McAtee, Scott, Hutchinson, Rowe & Elliott
U21 International 24/03/25
W
Portugal U21
2
England U21
4
U21 International 21/03/25
L
France U21
5
England U21
3
U21 International 18/11/24
D
Netherlands U21
1
England U21
1
U21 International 15/11/24
D
Spain U21
0
England U21
0
European U21 Championship Qual 15/10/24
W
Azerbaijan U21
0
England U21
7
Netherlands U21 preview: Van Bommel suspension a blow
The Netherlands will be without the influential Ruben van Bommel after he was sent off against Portugal. Youri Regeer is also still serving a suspension.
Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Maatsen, Hato, Van den Berg, Rensch, Taylor, Valente, Flamingo, Ohio, Van Bergen & Manhoef
Youth International 06/06/25
W
Ivory Coast U23
0
Netherlands U21
3
U21 International 25/03/25
W
Romania U21
0
Netherlands U21
2
U21 International 21/03/25
W
Italy U21
1
Netherlands U21
2
U21 International 18/11/24
D
England U21
1
Netherlands U21
1
U21 International 14/11/24
D
Slovakia U21
3
Netherlands U21
3
Player to watch: Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott not only got himself on the scoresheet for England in their win against Spain, but he was arguably the best player on the pitch. He glided through the Spanish midfield like a knife through butter sometimes, and was often the player his teammates would look to to get on the ball.
Elliott also found the net in England's opening 3-1 victory against the Czech Republic, showing that he can be relied upon. The Liverpool man is key if the Young Lions are to go all the way again.