Talented Young Lions set to book their place in final

Portugal v Holland
Eurosport 2, 2pm Wednesday
England v Czech Republic
Eurosport 1, 5pm Wednesday

England confirmed their place in the last four of the European Under-19 Championship with a 4-1 thumping of Germany in and the talented Young Lions should maintain their 100 per cent tournament record with victory against Czech Republic in the Georgian capital.

England’s crushing of the German youngsters followed wins over Bulgaria (2-0) and Holland (1-0) and their explosive frontline spearheaded by Nottingham Forest’s Ben Brereton should pose the Czechs plenty of problems.

The Forest teenager netted the winner against the Dutch before notching twice against giants Germany and it’s clear to see why top-flight clubs are queuing up in hope of securing his signature.

England’s quality doesn’t stop there. Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon has been influential, chipping in with three goals, while Chelsea youngster Mason Mount is the tournament's leading assist-provider.

Czech Republic posted victories over Sweden (2-1) and hosts Georgia (2-0) but they were outclassed by Portugal and may find England’s quality too hot to handle.

Keith Downing urges his side to play with a defensive mindset - the Young Lions have won five of their last seven games to nil - and they can book their place in Saturday’s final with a clean sheet to boot.

Group A winners Portugal tackle Holland in the first semi-final and Helio Sousa’s troops may find the Dutch tougher a nut to crack than the prices suggest.

Recommendation
England to win to nil
1pt 7-4 bet365, Hills