Three U21 European Cup Focus Game Preview: Netherlands, England and Germany compete for a good start

On June 12, U21 European Cup Finland U21 vs Netherlands U21, Czech Republic U21 vs England U21, Germany U21 vs Slovenia U21 ushered in three focus matches.

The Netherlands U21 may continue to crush the advantage

The Finnish U21 has a journey of returning to the European Youth Championship stage after 14 years, and the first match will be met with the top Dutch U21, the most popular Dutch U21 in Group D. Historical data shows that the two sides have lost all the last five matches and have lost 2:11 in total, with obvious psychological disadvantages. From the perspective of tactical system, Finland's tactics based on defensive counterattack may not work in the Dutch pass control system. The Orange League's ball possession rate has been stable at more than 58% in the last 10 games, with averaging 12.4 key passes per game. The coordination and cooperation between full-back Flamingo and winger Mattson is quite threatening. It is worth noting that the competitive state of the Dutch attack group is expected to get a good start with an overwhelming advantage.

English star is worth looking forward to

Group C Group C U21's first round against the Czech U21 showed obvious strength. The Three Lions have reached the semi-finals in the last two tournaments. In this lineup, Premier League novas such as Palmer and Elliott are in charge, and their firepower per game in the attacking line is terrifying. Although the Czech Republic has potential rookies such as Farmalikon striker Vaclav, its poor performance of conceding 8 goals in the last five games may be difficult to withstand the British impact.

From a tactical perspective, England is good at using the width of the field to implement the combination of edges and middles, and its average number of crosses per game (8.7 times) ranks among the top three teams. The 3-4-3 formation change attempt by head coach Casley in a friendly match has achieved remarkable results and can effectively release the interspersed space of the frontcourt attack group. Considering the shortcomings of the Czech defense line's insufficient coordination capabilities, England is predicted to score 3 points. The battle between the German U21 and the Slovenian U21 in the

E group is quite interesting. The German youth team continues the technical flow reform of the adult national team, with the passing success rate exceeding 85% in the last 10 games, and the success rate of the midfield core Vedraogo's straight pass is as high as 79%. Although Slovenia advanced through the playoff miracle, its main 5-3-2 defensive system has the potential to have too much gap in the ribs.

It is worth noting that Germany's attack line is running-in. Considering the lack of experience in the international competition between the Slovenian central defenders, it is predicted that Germany will control the game with a 2-goal advantage.

Score prediction

Finland U21 1-3/1-2 Netherlands U21

Czech U21 0-2/0-3 England U21

Germany U21 3-1/2-0 Slovenia U21

Looking at the three matches, the three traditional giants, the Netherlands, England and Germany, have the advantage in lineup depth and tactical maturity. Although football matches are full of variables, the gap in hard strength in youth competitions is often more obvious. These three favorites to win the championship are expected to start their journey with victory and lay a solid foundation for subsequent knockouts.