Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
England U17
Belgium U17
On May 20, 2025, the UEFA European Under-17 Championship taking place in Albania will feature a clash between England and Belgium. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 Central European Time. Let's take a closer look at a bet focused on the teams' attacking potential for this encounter.
England U17
The England U17s confidently sailed through the qualifying stage, topping a group that included Slovenia, Israel, and Northern Ireland. The team collected the maximum 9 points, scoring 10 goals and conceding just two. England started with a 2-0 home win over Israel, followed by a 3-2 victory over Slovenia, also at home, and wrapped up the group by thrashing Northern Ireland 5-0 away.
In the previous edition of the U17 Euros, England reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to the eventual champions, Italy.
As for encounters with Belgium, in recent years the teams have only met in friendlies: four matches, with Belgium winning twice, one draw, and one win for England. The last official meeting dates back to the Euro 2011 qualifiers, where England triumphed 2-1.
Belgium U17
Belgium U17 also cruised through qualification, finishing top of their group ahead of Ireland, Poland, and Iceland. They picked up 7 points, scoring 5 goals and conceding 3. The Belgians opened with a 1-0 home win over Ireland, then beat Iceland 2-1, and closed out with a 2-2 away draw against Poland.
For Belgium, this marks a return to the final tournament stage for the first time since 2022—a significant achievement for this current generation.
It’s also worth highlighting an interesting head-to-head stat: the teams have played six times, both officially and in friendlies, and in all six games both sides found the net.
Interesting facts and head-to-head stats
- England U17 are on a five-game winning streak.
- Five of England U17's last six matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- Belgium U17 have won seven of their last nine matches.
- Nine of Belgium U17's last eleven games have seen over 2.5 goals.
- Belgium U17 are unbeaten in three of the last four head-to-heads.
- Both teams have scored in the last five head-to-head encounters.
Probable lineups
- England U17: Porter, Braithwaite, Gardy, Simmonds, Headley, McAdoo, Page, Gorman, Ngumoha, Douman, Heskey.
- Belgium U17: Munganga, De Kimpe, Jonckers, Kwatambwe, Darson, De Wannemacker, De Cat, Da Silva, Fernandes, Nert, Bisivu.
Prediction for England U17 vs Belgium U17
Based on their current form and qualification results, England U17 rightfully approach this match as favourites—they powered through qualifying, showed composure both in attack and defence, and have the stability reinforced by last year’s Euros performance. However, Belgium also boast an exciting generation that has brought the team back to the finals for the first time since 2022. The Belgians look competitive and are more than capable of putting up a fight. Considering the head-to-head history—six consecutive games where both teams have scored—it’s logical to expect another open and high-scoring affair. My bet for this match: both teams to score, odds 1.98.
