Seeking to win back-to-back European Under-21s Championship titles, England get their defence of the trophy underway against the Czech Republic on Thursday night.
Lee Carsley led the Young Lions to glory two years ago, with his side edging out Spain 1-0 in a bad-tempered final in Georgia.
Following that triumph, it's understandable to see England among the bookmakers' favourites to be the last side standing in Slovakia this summer.
The defending champions have been housed alongside Germany, Slovenia and the Czech Republic in Group B.
The Czechs have strong pedigree in this competition, finishing as runners-up in 2000 before going one better and lifting the trophy two years later.
Jan Suchoparek’s side stamped their ticket to this year’s tournament after getting the better of Belgium in the playoff round at the tail end of last year.
How the bookies view it: Young Lions to roar
Given that they are one of the pre-tournament favourites, it’s no surprise to see England as short-priced 4/9 shots on Boylesports on Thursday night. With England likely to be keen to make an early statement of intent, Carsely’s side look good value at 10/11 (Bet 365) with a -1 start on the Asian Handicap.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are as big as 9/2 to pull off a shock win here, while the draw is also considered unlikely at 16/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: Young Lions tend to feast
The two nations have crossed paths seven times, with England claiming top honours on five occasions. It’s also worth noting that the pair were in the same group at the Euros two years ago, with England running out 2-0 winners.
Players to watch: McAtee to make his mark?
Having scored 10 times across his five appearances during qualification, England’s James McAtee represents a great value option in the anytime goalscorer market at 3/1 on UniBet.
The Czech Republic will look to Daniel Fila for inspiration on Thursday night. The highly-rated Venezia forward, who netted three times in five appearances during qualification, is a 17/4 anytime goalscorer option.
Predicted line-ups
The Czech Republic look set to have the luxury of having a full squad to choose from on Thursday night.
England will be unable to call upon the services of key forward Liam Delap, who has been included in Chelsea’s squad ahead of the Club World Cup.
Czech Republic: Hornicek; Chaloupek, Prebsl, Spacil; Suchomel, Langhamer, Vydra, Harustak; Karabec, Fila, Sejk
England: Beadle; Quansah, Cresswell, Doyle, Iling Junior; Gittens, Gray, Anderson; Rogers, Scott, McAtee
Anything else catch the eye?
Backing England to win alongside keeping a clean sheet will boost the odds to an eye-catching 13/8 on Boylesports.
The Young Lions were solid throughout qualification, silencing their opponents in five of their eight victories.
What’s more, England ran out 2-0 winners when the two teams met at this stage of the tournament two years ago.
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