Portugal take on France in their first game of the U21 UEFA European Championships group stage held in Slovakia on Wednesday night, with Georgia and Poland also occupying Group C. Portugal have never won the tournament before in their history, while France have only managed to win it once themselves – in 1988.
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Portugal U21 vs France U21 prediction: Les Bleus to edge heavyweight clash?
Key stats
- Portugal have lost their last two games in preparation for the tournament.
- In contrast, France have won their previous three matches, and are unbeaten in five.
- There have been no draws in the last five H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Portugal U21 1-2 France U21
France are considered to be one of the favourites for the tournament considering their impressive squad depth and strong run of form leading up to it. They should have too much to handle for Portugal, although they should put up a decent fight themselves having won nine of their 10 qualifying matches (L1).
Pre-game odds and win probability: France fancied among bookmakers
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As the implied probabilities show, France are fancied just above Portugal to take all three points from their opening match. A draw is the least favoured in terms of possible outcomes.
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Most recent H2Hs: Evenly matched?
Both teams have won two of the previous four H2Hs, with France triumphing 2-1 in the last one back in 2014. The fact that there have been no draws in recent meetings suggests we are likely to see a winner come Wednesday night.
Portugal U21 preview: No fresh concerns
Portugal have no fresh concerns heading into this one with all of their original squad ready and available.
Predicted lineup: Soares (GK), Pinheiro, Lamba, Marques, Nazinho, Gomes, Fernandes, Sa, Bernardo, Tomas & Quenda
U21 International 24/03/25
L
England U21
4
Portugal U21
2
U21 International 21/03/25
L
Romania U21
1
Portugal U21
0
U21 International 18/11/24
W
Slovakia U21
1
Portugal U21
3
U21 International 15/11/24
D
Ukraine U21
3
Portugal U21
3
European U21 Championship Qual 15/10/24
W
Andorra U21
1
Portugal U21
2
France U21 preview: Some early withdrawals
Unfortunately for France, both Hugo Ekitike and Enzo Millot have had to withdraw from the squad due to injury and family reasons respectively. Otherwise, the rest of the squad is ready and available to play.
Predicted lineup: Restes (GK), Sildilla, Lukeba, Matsima, Merlin, Diouf, Lemarechal, Lepenant, Odobert, Tel & Bahoya
Youth International 04/06/25
W
Uzbekistan U23
1
France U21
2
U21 International 24/03/25
W
Slovakia U21
0
France U21
4
U21 International 21/03/25
W
England U21
3
France U21
5
U21 International 19/11/24
D
Germany U21
2
France U21
2
U21 International 15/11/24
D
Italy U21
2
France U21
2
Player to watch: Mathys Tel
France U21 will mainly be expecting to rely on Mathys Tel to make the difference in the final third. Indeed, he has no fewer than six goal contributions in 11 caps for the U21s, and will be expected to lead the line for Les Bleus.
The promising Tel is already playing at a high club level with Bayern Munich, and also spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Tottenham in the Premier League, winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL) with Spurs in what was their first major trophy in 17 years. Nonetheless, Tel will now be hoping for more silverware on the international stage, as France U21 chase a first UEFA European Championship title since 1988.