Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the third-round matches of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship will take place on Wednesday at the Pod Zaborom Arena in Nitra, where England will face Germany. I suggest betting on goals in this encounter with an attractive odds offer.
Match preview
England’s youth team has shown well-balanced football at Euro 2025 but continues to struggle with finishing their chances. In their last outing against Slovenia, Lee Carsley’s men created plenty of opportunities but failed to score, despite dominating possession. Nevertheless, the Young Lions are still fighting for top spot in the group and have already secured a playoff berth, provided the Czech Republic does not lose 0-5.
England boasts a squad with high individual quality and impressive depth, allowing for tactical flexibility. Even with motivation not at its peak in the final group stage match, the English side will look to showcase their attacking style and prove they are ready for the knockout rounds. Regaining efficiency in the final third will be crucial—otherwise, Germany will certainly capitalize.
The Germans enter the third round riding high: two wins, seven goals scored, and an outstanding attacking display. Antonio Di Salvo’s team plays with clear structure and high intensity, which allows them to control matches and secure results. Their victory over the Czech Republic (4-2) only reinforced how confident this team is on the continental stage.
Nick Woltemade has become the symbol of their attack, already netting four goals at the tournament. However, Germany’s success is not built on a single star—goals are spread among several players, making them less predictable and a much bigger threat. A draw would be enough for Germany to retain top spot in the group, so expect them to play without taking unnecessary risks.
Probable line-ups
- England U-21: Beadle – Gray, Cresswell, Branthwaite, Ayling – Hackney, Hinshelwood, Bellingham – Elliott, Nwaneri, Gyro-Hutchinson
- Germany U-21: Atubolu – Collins, Braun, Arrey-Mbi, Rosenfelder – Martel (C), Reitz, Knauff, Gruda, Nebel – Woltemade
Match facts and head-to-head
- England has won 8 of their 19 head-to-head encounters, Germany 6, with 4 draws.
- The last meeting between the teams saw England win 2-0 at Euro 2023.
- Germany has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches against England.
Prediction
With both teams all but assured of a place in the playoffs, we can expect a more open and free-flowing game. England will look to control possession and make up for recent attacking shortcomings, while Germany, with superior finishing, will respond with pace down the flanks and a high tempo. We expect a high-scoring draw—our bet is 'Both teams to score' at odds of 1.67.
