INTERNATIONAL BETTING PREVIEW - SPAIN U21 VS ENGLAND U21

International

2025-06-21 - Spain U21 vs England U21

A Sports Betting Preview by Auls

Spain U21 v England U21
Football: UEFA Under 21 European Championship Quarter Final
Saturday 21st June 2025 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV

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Preview

There was every chance that Spain U21 and England U21 would meet at some stage in the Knock Out Rounds of the 2025 Under 21 European Championship, but the two 2023 Finalists may have hoped to see each other further down the line.

Instead it is a Quarter Final tie in 2025 and Spain have been set as a pretty strong favourite having won Group A ahead of Italy U21. They both finished on the same points in that section, but it was Spain who had the edge in goal difference following the 1-1 draw with the Italians to close out the section and that means they get to stay in Trnava where the draw was played out.

Being matched up with Group B for the Quarter Final meant only an upset would have seen Spain end up facing a 'weaker' opponent than England.

The defending Champions have struggled at times in Slovakia and they finished the Group section with just four points after losing 2-1 to Germany U21 in the final fixture. That was still enough to see off Czechia U21 and Slovenia U21, but manager Lee Carsley was not very impressed with the start against the Germans and will be demanding his players come out with a lot more intensity.

In that defeat, England conceded their fastest ever goal in the Under 21 European Championship and they were 2-0 behind after just 33 minutes. The underlying numbers suggest England have not played too badly in the tournament, but they have missed Liam Delap and the lack of goals is an issue.

However, the feeling will be that England will be able to create chances against this Spain defensive unit that has struggled for clean sheets. It also feels the favourite might be a tad overrated considering they blew a 2-0 lead against Slovakia U21 in an eventual 3-2 win, and followed up with a 2-1 win over Romania U21 in a fixture the Spanish were trailing until 85th minute.

It also cannot be ignored that Romania had a player sent off in the 84th minute while leading and you can make a case for England at least pushing this opponent into Extra Time at the very least.

Only the lack of goals being scored holds back real enthusiasm for backing England to earn a victory, but they have shown they can create chances.

England are unbeaten in recent meetings with Spain at this level and won the Final two years ago 1-0. The only fixture since then was a friendly played at the back end of the 2024 calendar year, which ended goalless.

Prediction

There are some quality looking Quarter Final matches taking place this weekend at the Under 21 European Championship and a rematch of the 2023 Final may be top of the list.

Spain U21 have impressed a little more in the Group Stage, but there are some concerns about the defensive performances and England U21 can exploit that, even without Liam Delap to lead the line.

A lack of goals has been an issue for England, but they showed some of their qualities in the final third against Germany U21 in the final Group fixture and the defending Champions can at least force Extra Time in this one.

The Pick :

Spain U21 1-1 England U21 (in 90 minutes)

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back England U21 + 0.25 Asian Handicap at 1.85 with Bet365