Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker:
Looking to punch their European Championship final ticket in midweek, England will meet Israel in Batumi on Wednesday night.
Israel U21
Starting with Israel, edging past Georgia over the weekend thanks to a nail-biting penalties victory, Guy Luzon’s squad have only continued on a history-making romp this summer. Punching their first-ever semi-final ticket and gaining a host of plaudits, the Whites will be desperate to spring one final upset on Wednesday evening. However, winning just one of their four European Championship showdowns within 90 minutes this summer, the one-time Charlton boss should also be concerned by his most recent meeting against their midweek opponents. Hit with a routine 2-0 loss when they met England for a Group C battle on June 25th, Israel will be more than aware that they face another real examination in midweek. Showing some extended struggles in the final third over the past nine months, Luzon’s inconsistent squad are rightfully tipped as a landslide underdog on Wednesday evening.
Team News
In what looks set to be a major blow for Israel on Wednesday evening, Luzon will be unable to call upon both Eden Karzev and Daniel Peretz through suspension. 19-year-old Tomer Tzarfati looks set to start between the sticks here.
However, 20-year-old defender Roy Revivo should make a full return in midweek after serving his own respective one-match ban.
England U21
As for England, punching their semi-final ticket over the weekend thanks to another professional display, the Young Lions have only continued to gain a string of plaudits this summer. Eventually claiming a deserved 1-0 victory against Portugal, Lee Carsley’s men have won all four of their European Championship appearances and the mood in their camp should be at a red-hot high. Tipped as a genuine contender this summer and riding a real wave of momentum the one-time Everton midfield should be smelling the chance for his high-flying squad to make another statement here. Signing off their group stage flurry with an eye-catching 2-0 victory against European rivals Germany on June 28th, Carlsey should also be excited by his side’s continued defensive displays. In fact, England are yet to concede a single strike during their EURO romp this summer.
Team News
Once again finding the net against Portugal over the weekend and already notching two European Championship strikes this summer, Newcastle starlet Anthony Gordon should lead England’s charge on Wednesday evening. The ex-Everton forward could be joined in the final third by Noni Madueke.
Having to settle for a spot on the bench against Portugal a few days ago, Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe could be handed a full recall here. Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford will once again start between the sticks in midweek.
Key Factors to Consider
