It has been an excellent summer for the youth footballers representing England, and the Under-19s will hope to continue that good run when they face Czech Republic in the semi-finals of the European Championship.
World champions at U-20 level and semi-finalists at the European U-21 championship last month, England are without doubt on a roll, and the U-19s have looked just as impressive in this tournament. Keith Downing's side finished top of their group, with three wins from three, seven goals scored and just one conceded.
Four of those goals came in a superb 4-1 demolition of Germany in the final group grame and England progressed to the knockout stages as the only side with a 100 per cent record. In the semi-finals, they face the Czechs who finished second in the other group behind Portugal, with the latter beating them 2-1 in their second match.
England are very much favourites to make the final, with Paddy Power offering them at 8/15 (1.53) while their opponents are offered at 4/1 (5.00) and the draw is offered at 3/1 (4.00).
Both of these sides have scored in every match so far at the tournament, and they can be backed at 4/7 (1.57) to both get on the scoresheet once more. Indeed, a high-scoring game is expected by the bookmakers who price over 2.5 goals also at 4/7 (1.57).
More tempting, however, is the price of 2/1 (3.00) for England to win and both teams to score, which looks to be an intelligent way to back an English win at a great price.
As previously mentioned, the Czechs have had no problem in finding the back in the net in this competition, including against Portugal who are perhaps the other outstanding side left in with England.
Downing's team should be too strong, however, given the class they have shown up until now, and backing England to win but concede makes plenty of sense.
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