Latest news with #Bratislava
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
How Lee Carsley's half-time rocket fired his Young Lions stars to the brink of glory at U21 Euros
In a funny sort of way, losing to Germany during the group stages was the best thing that could have happened to this young England team. Manager Lee Carsley and his staff did not see it that way though after being unceremoniously turned over by Germany's second string in Nitra. There were raised voices in the dressing room that night. At half-time, with England 2-0 down, the hairdryer was delivered and players returned for the second half much improved. They won that spell 1-0 and analysts left with a pep in their step. As the players filtered on to the team bus, they did so armed with the knowledge that they fell below Carsley's standards in that first half and any hope of success hinged on an improvement. One senior FA source noted that England would beat Germany if they got a second crack at them. Tonight in Bratislava, they have that chance. 'I knew in the second half against Germany we clicked,' Carsley said. 'The resilience they showed, the character they showed, the way they responded, there was definitely an improvement. 'I spoke to them at half-time that when things are 50/50, you make sure you keep moving forward or worst case scenario you stand still. You don't go backwards and that's what they did, they moved forward and those are the type of players we need to win at senior level.' Tweaks paid off handsomely and adaptability has certainly been one of Carsley's biggest strengths in Slovakia. Left back Jack Hinshelwood did not start the first two games, but is now a shoo-in for the final. Jay Stansfield is another. He got his first start up front in the quarter-final against Spain and has not released his grip on the shirt since. Those around the camp praise his contagious energy and Carsley's man-management of the League One winner has not gone unnoticed. Much of the build-up to this title defence centred on regulars that Carsley (right) would be without. No Liam Delap, who has kept in touch with captain James McAtee with 'messages every day,' Rico Lewis, Jamie Gittens or Jobe Bellingham, all away at the Club World Cup. No Jarrad Branthwaite, Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Adam Wharton, all injured. Carsley warned things would look 'clunky' and 'unorganised' early on as a result. He was not wrong, even if it was not immediately apparent in the 3-1 opening win over the Czech Republic. But now he has a group that believe, rather than hope, they will get over the line. 'I've got a lot of belief in them,' Carsley added. 'They're an exciting team. They're really together and have grown as the tournament's gone on. Hopefully they get what they deserve.' England manager Thomas Tuchel is jetting in from the Club World Cup, while Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has cut short his yacht retreat in Majorca to head for Bratislava. Around 150 friends and family are also making the trip, eager to spur on a group looking to replicate the achievement of England's youngsters who won this tournament back-to-back in 1982 and 1984. There is more finesse to this group now, a bite and physicality that was absent in that defeat by Germany and tonight's opponents know the England of 10 days ago is not what they see now. 'The group-stage match will have no bearing on the final,' said Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo. 'A final is a final and every team that reaches a final plays to win. England have improved and they were very dominant against Spain. It will be an even game.' England wanted a second crack at Germany and tonight they get it. History beckons.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
No regrets for McAtee before Euro 2025 final
England Under-21 captain James McAtee has "no regrets" choosing Euro 2025 over the Club World Manchester City midfielder has helped the Young Lions to Saturday's final against Germany in opted to go with Lee Carsley's side over City's Club World Cup campaign and will help England try to defend their title in Slovakia."It's a tough one to answer but I don't regret my decision at all. I'm happy I'm here and my focus is now tomorrow, it's not on the Club World Cup," he said on Friday when asked if reaching the final justified his decision."This would be a special occasion for me. I'm so excited to play tomorrow. It'll be a big achievement for me and my family."Some of the lads have played in some big games and I've not sensed any nerves, but I'm sure by tomorrow there will be some. Hopefully the lads do get it, so it means something to them."McAtee scored in England's 3-1 quarter-final win over Spain, with the Young Lions also beating the Netherlands in Wednesday's 22-year-old has also had messages of support from former City team-mate Liam Delap, who is playing for Chelsea in the Club World added: "I speak to Liam every day and he's happy for us. We're all happy for him, he's doing well. I've had a couple of messages from Taylor [Harwood-Bellis] so the lads back home are rooting for us and happy for us that we got here."
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction: Euros repeat from Young Lions
England's dramatic win over the Netherlands saw them book a second consecutive European Championship final (Getty Images) England U21 vs Germany U21 betting tip: England to win & both teams to score - 10/3 Bet365 Nick Woltemade to score anytime - 5/4 Ladbrokes England take on Germany in the final of the U21 European Championship in Bratislava on Saturday night, with Lee Carsley's side looking to make it back-to-back Euros tournament wins (8pm, Channel 4). Advertisement A 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands, courtesy of two goals from Harvey Elliott, saw England book their place in consecutive finals in this competition, with the Young Lions looking to replicate the success from 2023 when they beat Spain in dramatic fashion. Germany had a somewhat easier semi-final, beating France 3-0. They come into the match without a loss at the tournament, having also beaten England 2-1 in the final game of Group B on 18 June. The Germans boast top tournament goalscorer Nick Woltemade, though England's Harvey Elliott is also in the running for the player of the tournament, and he's been one of the catalysts for England's improved form since they entered the knockout phase. Despite Germany's previous success, football betting sites can find little to separate the two sides and the stage is set for a tense finale. England U21 vs Germany U21 Preview: Carsley leading Lions back to promised land Since losing to Germany in the last game of the group stages, England have beaten tournament favourites Spain while also coming through a testing semi-final against the Netherlands. Advertisement The win over Spain showed that things were starting to click with Carsley's team, with the Young Lions having surprised many with their various qualities, while the win over the Dutch showed that quality mixed with impressive resilience. While England did lose 2-1 to Germany just over a week ago, there were four changes to the side that ended up beating Spain. The improvement in both results and performances since that game—combined with facing more difficult opponents—means that England may well be better prepared for this match than their German counterparts. The Young Lions have only kept one clean sheet so far, while Germany have managed two. At the other end, England have scored nine goals and Germany 15, so we expect goals in this one. Having had success with an England to win and both teams to score wager on betting sites in the semi-finals, we are hopeful lightning will strike twice and England bring home the trophy once more. Advertisement England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction 1: England to win & both teams to score - 10/3 Bet365 England U21 vs Germany U21 betting tip: Woltemade can show his class Woltemade has been one of the revelations of the tournament in Slovakia, with the striker topping the scoring charts with six goals in four games so far. Rumours of a move to Bayern Munich have surfaced in his homeland, with the 23-year-old having impressed last season with 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart. In the Euros, Woltemade has scored in every game he's played, with one goal in each of the quarter-finals and semi-finals, one in the group game against Czechia, and a hat-trick in the match against Slovenia. Advertisement Having made his full Germany debut in the Nations League finals earlier this month, the striker has proven that he is ready to take his career to the next level. And we're backing him to have a say in the final too, with a wager on Woltemade to score anytime. England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction 2: Nick Woltemade to score anytime - 5/4 Ladbrokes Responsible gambling Bettors should always practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium. Advertisement Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having: We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction: Euros repeat from Young Lions
England take on Germany in the final of the U21 European Championship in Bratislava on Saturday night, with Lee Carsley's side looking to make it back-to-back Euros tournament wins (8pm, Channel 4). A 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands, courtesy of two goals from Harvey Elliott, saw England book their place in consecutive finals in this competition, with the Young Lions looking to replicate the success from 2023 when they beat Spain in dramatic fashion. Germany had a somewhat easier semi-final, beating France 3-0. They come into the match without a loss at the tournament, having also beaten England 2-1 in the final game of Group B on 18 June. The Germans boast top tournament goalscorer Nick Woltemade, though England's Harvey Elliott is also in the running for the player of the tournament, and he's been one of the catalysts for England's improved form since they entered the knockout phase. Despite Germany's previous success, football betting sites can find little to separate the two sides and the stage is set for a tense finale. England U21 vs Germany U21 Preview: Carsley leading Lions back to promised land Since losing to Germany in the last game of the group stages, England have beaten tournament favourites Spain while also coming through a testing semi-final against the Netherlands. The win over Spain showed that things were starting to click with Carsley's team, with the Young Lions having surprised many with their various qualities, while the win over the Dutch showed that quality mixed with impressive resilience. While England did lose 2-1 to Germany just over a week ago, there were four changes to the side that ended up beating Spain. The improvement in both results and performances since that game—combined with facing more difficult opponents—means that England may well be better prepared for this match than their German counterparts. The Young Lions have only kept one clean sheet so far, while Germany have managed two. At the other end, England have scored nine goals and Germany 15, so we expect goals in this one. Having had success with an England to win and both teams to score wager on betting sites in the semi-finals, we are hopeful lightning will strike twice and England bring home the trophy once more. England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction 1: England to win & both teams to score - 10/3 Bet365 England U21 vs Germany U21 betting tip: Woltemade can show his class Woltemade has been one of the revelations of the tournament in Slovakia, with the striker topping the scoring charts with six goals in four games so far. Rumours of a move to Bayern Munich have surfaced in his homeland, with the 23-year-old having impressed last season with 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart. In the Euros, Woltemade has scored in every game he's played, with one goal in each of the quarter-finals and semi-finals, one in the group game against Czechia, and a hat-trick in the match against Slovenia. Having made his full Germany debut in the Nations League finals earlier this month, the striker has proven that he is ready to take his career to the next level. And we're backing him to have a say in the final too, with a wager on Woltemade to score anytime. Bettors should always practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
England vs Germany predictions: European Under-21 Championship final tips and odds
Our tipster has three predictions for Saturday's European Under-21 Championship final between England and Germany at the National Stadium in Bratislava (kick-off, 8pm BST). We think that the Germans should be favoured, in a match that should produce goals. England U21 vs Germany U21 tips Germany draw no bet @ 10/11 with Sky Bet Nick Woltemade to score @ 5/4 with Sky Bet Harvey Elliott to score @ 5/2 with Sky Bet Odds courtesy of Sky Bet Correct at the time of publication and subject to change. Already a Sky Bet member? Check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. Germany to have final word England are 7/5 favourites to win the European Under-21 Championship final, with Germany at 6/4. Antonio Di Salvo's side are the outsiders despite beating the holders 2-1 in the group stage, a match in which they fielded a second-string side. England dominated possession but struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. They have looked more dangerous in the knockout rounds, beating Spain and the Netherlands, but the value is clearly with Germany who swept aside France in the semi-finals. Woltemade for the big occasion Germany's Nick Woltemade is the top scorer in the tournament with six goals in four appearances, the 23-year-old having been rested for the victory over England. He scored a hat-trick in the opener against Slovenia, added to his tally when the Germans defeated Czechia and found the net against both Italy in the quarter-finals and France in the semis. With 17 goals last season for Stuttgart, the 6ft 6in striker will be the main danger to the Three Lions. Elliott carries England's biggest threat England manager Lee Carsley is lacking a striker of Woltemade's calibre. Liam Delap is at the Club World Cup with Chelsea, while the tireless Jay Stansfield has yet to find the net for the U21 side, even if his involvement has improved performances. Instead, it has been Harvey Elliott who has stepped up to take on the goalscoring burden. The Liverpool midfielder is the tournament's second-highest scorer with four goals. After opening his account against Czechia, Elliott netted in the quarter-final when England faced Spain and then twice against Netherlands in the semis. As a player with the ability to craft chances out of nothing, odds of 5/2 on him to score look too big. England U21 vs Germany U21 odds All odds courtesy of Sky Bet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
