WILL England get a win against Sweden to put them back in the U21 Championship? Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) previews the game.
Sweden U21 v England U21 | Sunday 17:00 | BT Sport 1
Well Saturday's games didn't go exactly to plan and that muddies the picture for the two games on Sunday when placing a bet. The Czech Republic lost 2-1 to Denmark in Matchday 1 and then decide to thrash Serbia 4-0 in the follow up game. This was after Serbia got a draw against favourites Germany in the earlier match. Confusing eh?
England need to get their shit together on Sunday or they're heading home. Thursday night's defeat to Portugal has set alarm bells ringing and their outright price lengthening. But in reality, was that a disgrace? Portugal won all eight of their qualifying matches and are now second favourites for the crown.
As usual with England though, when there's expectation there's short prices and Gareth Southgate's men are just 17/20 best price to win in Olomouc.
Sweden come into this game after a superb 2-1 win over well-fancied Italy and there's no doubt spirits will be high as they look to send England out of the tournament.
The Swedes lost twice in their eight match qualifying group yet still finished top, but their comeback win over fancied France in the play-offs was sensational. Friendly results since have been decent with a win over Serbia in March and a draw against Denmark last week.
England were wonderful in qualifying with nine wins out 10 and then a strong two-legged win over Croatia in the play-offs at the end of last year. Friendly wins over Germany and Czech Republic since then put them right up there on form.
I'm reluctant and unwilling to back England at odds on. How will they cope after Thursday night's disappointment? Remember, they're up against a side unbeaten since October.
Instead I'll back Exactly 2-3 Goals in the match at 21/20 with BetVictor and dabble with a 1-1 Correct Score at 13/2 with William Hill and a 2-1 England win at 8/1 with Skybet. The Swedes have scored in their last eight games and I expect them to notch here plus the 2-3 goal bracket has been hit in four of the six U21 games so far.
Best Bets
Sweden U21 v England U21 – Both Teams To Score (5/6 Betfair)
Sweden U21 v England U21 – 1-1 Draw (13/2 William Hill)
Sweden U21 v England U21 – England to win 2-1 (8/1 Skybet)
