Israel U-21 – England U-21

England beat Israel in the second half

On Wednesday 05 June, the semi-finals of the European Youth Championship will take place. The Israeli team will play against England. The English are regarded as the main favourites to win the whole tournament. Lee Carsley's side are perfectly on course for the European Championships. In four games, the team have not conceded a single goal. That's not to say they have had any luck with their opponents. In the group stage, the team very confidently beat the same Israel, scoring two goals. Even the second squad of the English made it through to a motivated Germany without conceding a goal. England's goalkeeper Trafford shows a very confident game. The goalkeeper made several key saves in the quarterfinal game against Portugal. It is important that England can play with a variety of styles. In the quarter-final, the team had the advantage in the first half, operating offensively. Then they went into defence. The result was a very strange statistic: one shot, one goal. At the same time, Portugal did not create many chances. England did not cling to their goal, controlling their opponents. England are still injury-free. All the key players are ready for the semi-finals. At the same time there is no significant fatigue, as in the third match against Germany, many were able to rest. England's big trump card is their vibrant attack. Gordon, Madueke and Gibbs-White are dangerous for all opponents in the tournament. Israel have unexpectedly been the main opener of the entire European Championship. Many things worked out well for the humble national team, but there is also a lot of credit to the players and coaching staff. Israel made it through to the semi-finals largely through character. The quality of play was not at the highest level. In the first match against Germany, the team competently fought off the favourites with ten men. Then came the victory over the Czech Republic in a relatively equal encounter, where the opponents tried to defend a draw. The encounter with Georgia did not impress either. Israel didn't create many goalscoring chances, while completely stifling the opposition attack. There is a definite trend towards defensive football. All the matches in the tournament have been played on a total score of less. It is logical to assume that Israel will shut down the whole team in their half of the pitch. That could create some problems for the English. The game will be tenser than in the first match. England have another big trump card, their immense depth in the squad. Therefore, in the second half, the favourites can add new players to the squad. There is a scenario in which the break will be decisive. In the first half, Israel can hold out and maintain the momentum.