18th Jun 2011 | Football
England aim for Semis
Two draws have left England U-21s needing a win over the Czech Republic to prolong participation in the European Championships.
England’s U-21 side need a win in their final Group B game of the European Championships against the Czech Republic on Sunday night. Anything less, and they go home. Stuart Pearce’s side are best-price 23/20 favourites to succeed in that mission, according to WilliamHill, despite drawing both of their first two games. Their opponents have won one and lost one, which leaves them a point better off at this stage. The Czechs are 11/4 with VictorChandler to take the spoils; pretty long odds for a side who dominated qualification and kicked-off the tournament as one of the favourites behind Spain and England.
Group A concludes on Saturday with Switzerland the only team in the finals with maximium points from two matches. That form has seen them come into second favourites in the overall betting - a best price of 5/1 with bet365. Hosts Denmark are currently third in the group on goal difference, but a final clash with Iceland, who have lost twice, gives them great hope. They are just 4/9 with Coral to get the three points whereas second-placed rivals Belarus are 5/1 with bet365 to beat the Swiss. Spain remain overall favourites to lift the trophy at 8/11 with Coral.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 13:52 18th Jun, 2011 but subject to change
