European Under-21 Championships

The European Under-21 Championships are off and running in Denmark with eight teams battling for glory. The two group format ensures every side plays at least three matches before the the top two from each meet in the semi-finals. The tournament winning odds strongly suggest an imbalance in quality with the three favourites all clashing in Group B.

The fancied sides include England at 17/4 with VictorChandler. They began their campaign on Sunday against Spain, the one side regarded as more likely to go all the way. The game ended 1-1 after a late Danny Wellbeck goal salvaged a point for Stuart Pearce’s youngsters that most neutrals felt was scarcely deserved. The Spanish dominated possession for long periods and could have won emphatically had they found a greater cutting edge. They are now a best price of 7/5 with StanJames to emulate the success of their senior side.

Also in Group B are the Czech Republic who have already begun their campaign with a 2-1 win over the Ukraine, who had remained unbeaten in qualification. The Czechs avoided any defeats en route to Denmark as well, but with the far more convincing record of seven wins and just one draw. The statistics don’t get any worse on closer inspection; 25 goals scored and only four conceded in eight matches tells its own story. At a best price 5/1 with SkyBet they represent true value that should be snapped up before they play the so-called ‘big two’ of Spain and England. If the Czechs perform well in those games then at least one of their major rivals will be eliminated and their odds will tumble.

For those not yet convinced by the Czech credentials, let’s consider the factors that have made the other two short priced favourites. The big one is reputation. Spain have become a symbol of footballing excellence with the senior national side and Barcelona creating an aura of invincibility. This doesn’t neccessarily mean that the next generation will follow suit. The evidence is inconclusive at this point. The qualification campaign was unspectacular with Luis Milla’s side finishing behind the Netherlands in Group 4. Furthermore, surrendering a late advantage to England having dominated could suggest a lack of killer instinct.

As for Stuart Pearce’s side, the quality of the squad that actually travelled to Scandinavia is a pale imitation of what it could have been. The withdrawals of Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll, Micah Richards and Kieran Gibbs have left a hole where there would have been star quality and invaluable senior squad experience. The lingering short odds with British bookmakers carry the whiff of patriotic betting re-inforced by an ignorance of the youngsters that others will bring to the party. In conclusion, while Spain and England are worthy contenders, they have little of substance to recommend them over the Czech Republic who are still slipping under the radar at 5/1 with SkyBet. Take the value while you still can.