S.P.Read Esq: England U21 v Italy U21

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the 7.45pm kick off between ENGLAND U21 v ITALY U21 and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

Not sure we can expect too many goals tonight in the England U21 v Italy U21 clash. The two sides have conspired to produce just two goals between them in four matches and with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs it could easily be a tense affair in the Czech Republic.

However both sides will need to attack and there could easily be chances at both ends.

The permutations for England are quite simple:

• If England win they qualify for the semi-finals
• If they draw they must hope Sweden do not beat Portugal, otherwise they go out
• If England lose, they are out

England started this tournament with a loss against Portugal but then a late winner from Jesse Lingard was enough to get past Sweden on Sunday.

England will be without Spurs midfielder Alex Pritchard, who is out of the tournament after suffering ankle ligament damage, but Everton defender John Stones is set to return following concussion.

Manager Gareth Southgate said: “It’s time for this team to play as I know they can. It’s an Italian team we respect, but we have to believe in ourselves and our ability.”

Italy have even more pressure resting on their shoulders tonight. They need the win having lost to Sweden in the opener and then only drawing against Portugal. However the Italians also need a Portugal win over Sweden tonight.

England U21 v Italy U21
UEFA Under-21 Championship Group Stage
7.45pm BT SPORT

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Jun 2013 Euro U21 Champs England U21 0-1 Italy U21
May 2002 Euro U21 Champs Italy U21 2-1 England U21

It should be a cracker as neither side can rely on the draw or rely on the Portugal v Sweden game going their way.

There should be plenty of attempts on goals and I’m a buyer of corners at 9.8. It’s not usually a market I play but this looks a tempter tonight given the match circumstances.

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• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.