England have every reason to be bubbling with confidence ahead of this summer's edition of the U21 Euro Championships in Israel.
Not only do the Young Lions carry a formidable record from the last three editions of the biennial tournament – consisting of a semi-final and final appearance – their qualifying campaign was near flawless.
Nine victories and just one narrow defeat to Belgium in the qualification process earmarks this England side as serious contenders to go all the way. They are currently rated 7.0 fourth favourites to lift the trophy.
However, without getting too carried away just yet, it's probably best to look for value in England's group odds first as there are several other big hitters present, harbouring similarly impressive qualification records.
The two biggest threats, should England qualify from their group as expected, will be the reigning champions Spain 3.15 and their 2009 final conquerors Germany, who are 5.4 to be victorious.
The Spanish dropped just two points then thrashed Denmark in their play-off on the way to qualification, doling out 6-0 humblings to Croatia and Estonia en route, as well as dispatching Group 5 runners-up Switzerland 3-0 at home.
Led by the likes of Benfica striker Rodrigo, scorer of 14 goals while wearing the U21 jersey, and Malaga's much-sought-after attacking midfielder Isco, the Spaniards are a real force. Back that up with David de Gea between the sticks and Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara pulling the strings and it's easy to justify their tag.
Meanwhile, the Germans topped one of the two larger qualifying groups in similar fashion, racking up nine victories from 10, while plundering an incredible 39 goals. They then came through a tough play-off against Switzerland, adding weight to the current feeling that German football is poised for Spanish-style dominance for the next few years.
The great news for England is that neither side are in their group. Pearce's men are fortunate to have been allotted by far the easier group on paper, sharing Group A with Italy, hosts Israel and a Norway side whom they overcame twice in qualifiers.
Italy accrued two less points than the Lions in a similarly tricky qualifying group and, although the Azzurrini will provide a stern test, England's 2.3 price to win Group A has to be viewed as the value ahead of faves Italy at around 2.2.
This theory is backed up well by England's imperious form coming into the tournament, consisting of nine straight wins to nil across five qualifiers and four friendlies.
While players such as Wilfried Zaha and Tom Ince provide the flair in this side, Jack Butland, Steven Caulker and Craig Dawson have made England a really tough nut to crack.
The Three Lions are 3.15 to get off to the perfect start in their first Group game against Italy on Wednesday.
- Best Bet: Back England U21 to win Group A @ 2.3
In December 2020 we sadly 
Not a game id bet on,if you look at the recent form England will have to be at their best to win this.
Form reads:
England Won All 5 Games against Serbia, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Romania and Austria, Scoring 14 Goals, Whilst Conceeding 0 Goals.
Italy Won 4 Games against Sweden, Germany, Russia and Ukraine, And Lost 1 Game to Spain, Scoring 9 Goals, Whilst Conceeding 5 Goals. Looking at this Italy have had the much harder games and lost only 1 against Spain.Honestly cant see England winning this one,draw maybe.GOOD LUCK IF YOU BET ON IT.
England have always had good youngsters coming through the ranks but keep sticking by terry, lampard rio etc, zaha looks a great player and after the world cup next year it’ll be all change in the main team but can’t see past Spain for this tourney. Will never hear the end of it if England win it tho :)
Hopefully our young lions can give us something to cheer about this summer, were in the weaker group and Corals 13/2 to win the tournament makes some appeal to me.
Who will be our hero? A few players who are eligible ain’t in the squad due to injuries. Tom Ince and Danny Rose won’t play this evening. Will Zaha is our key man and will have his backers as top England scorer but I like Sunderland’s Connor Wickham to oblige at a tasty 6/1 at Betvictor.
If heart rules head then Italy maybe the shout to win the tournament at 6/1 at ladbrokes. Having tipped Wickham to be England’s top scorer, what about the tournament top scorer. Rodrigo makes some appeal at 9/1 with betvictor albeit in the harder group, my main selection is Roma forward Mattia Destro who is 10/1 at betvictor.
UNDER 21s WINNERS
BET ITALY TO WIN 6/1
BET ENGLAND TO WIN 13/2
UNDER 21s TOP SCORER
BET RODRIGO TO BE TOP SCORER 9/1
BET DESTRO TO BE TOP SCORER 10/1
TOP ENGLAND SCORER
BET WICKHAM TO TOP ENGLAND SCORER 6/1
Good luck if your having a bet