An England men's football team are within touching distance of winning a major international trophy. And defending the title they already hold.
Yes, you read that correctly!
Where Gareth Southgate's senior team failed last year, Lee Carsley's young Lions have the opportunity to go one better as they bid to go back-to-back and win the Euro Under-21 title on Saturday.
The 2025 UEFA U21 European Championships has once again showcased England's strength at the younger age groups, and Carsley’s resurgent side are on the verge of defending the title they claimed at Euro 2023.
They take on old foes Germany at Tehelne pole in the Slovakian capital for the trophy. Here's the latest betting, predictions and odds as football moves tantilisingly close to coming home... again!
England U21 vs. Germany U21 tips, predictions, bet builder and odds for EURO U21 final
All odds are correct at time of publish with firms listed. Click links to bet.
These two sides faced off in the group stages, with Germany running out as deserved 2-1 winners. In the end, England only just squeezed themselves out of Group B due to an earlier goalless draw with Slovenia.
But Carsley's side have grown into the tournament. A change of shape and a move away from playing a "False Nine" has made England much tougher to play against, and they impressed in the knockouts with victory against the Dutch in the semis following on from a 3-1 win against Spain in the quarter-finals.
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Germany have arguably been the team of the tournament thus far, with Antonio Di Salvo’s side winning all five games and scoring 15 goals in the process.
After overcoming Italy with an entertaining 3-2 victory after extra time in the quarter-finals, the Germans then hammered France 3-0 in the final four, with the prolific Nick Woltemade a standout performer.
He looks set to be at the heart of the action again in this one. Here's our betting tips to follow.
Nick Woltemade to score anytime: 20/21 (Bet365)
The Stuttgart striker is being linked with several clubs this summer after an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga that has bled into the Euros. He has six goals to his name already and will be expected to be the Germans’ main threat against an England team that, whilst improved, has still conceded in all but that Slovenia game in this competition.
Both Teams To Score: 1/2 (Spreadex)
At both U19 and U21 level, England and Germany have been entertaining to watch this summer. Their U19 sides shared a ridiculous 5-5 draw a week or so ago in their Euros group. England's U21s have an abundance of attacking talent, and are coached well by Carsley, whilst Germany have been the standout side due to their own attacking prowess. Just like their meeting in the groups, this promises to be an open game in the final. Back goals!
England vs. Germany expected lineups, team news
Tyler Morton was suspended for England in the semi-finals and it could well mean his absence from that game will cost him a place in the final. Harvey Elliott has been the key man for England so far.
- England predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Beadle; Hinshelwood, Cresswell, Quansah, Livramento; Scott, Anderson; Hutchinson, Elliott, McAtee; Stansfield
As for the Germans, they too have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues, so they will be expected to name an unchanged XI, albeit Brighton’s Brajan Gruda is pushing for a start.
- Germany predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Atubolu; Collins, Rosenfelder, Arrey-Mbi, Brown; Knauff, Martel, Reitz, Nebel; Weiper, Woltemade
England U21 vs. Germany U21 predicted score and most likely results
Here’s some of the most likely results for this final match-up, according to Paddy Power. Odds are subject to change but are correct at the time of publish.
| Result (90 mins) | Odds |
| Draw 1-1 | 6/1 |
| England 2-1 | 8/1 |
| Germany 2-1 | 8/1 |
| Draw 2-2 | 9/1 |
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How to watch England vs. Germany in Euro U21 final
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Venue: Tehelne pole, Bratislava
- Time: 8:00pm BST
- TV/Streaming: Channel 4
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