EURO U21 Semi-Final Preview

UEFA Euro U21 – The Story So Far in Slovakia

Spain, Italy, Germany, England, Portugal, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands progressed to the quarter-finals of the U21 Championship in Slovakia. Below are the results from the quarter-finals:

Saturday 21st June 2025

• Portugal 0-1 Netherlands

• Spain 1-3 England

Sunday 22nd June 2025

• Denmark 2-3 France

• Germany 3-2 Italy (aet)

The Main Talking Points from the Quarter-Finals

As has been the case at every stage of this tournament in Slovakia, we’ve seen many goals, red cards, and awe-inspiring individual displays. Here are the main talking points from the quarter-finals as we look ahead to the semis:

England Saved Their Best Football for the Knockout Round

Few saw England’s dominant display against Spain coming, particularly given their underwhelming showings in the group stage fixtures. After surviving an early scare, in which the VAR overturned a penalty to Spain, England pushed on and dominated the game.

Goals from the excellent James McAtee and Harvey Elliott put England 2-0 up after 15 minutes, and Elliot Anderson’s penalty sealed the victory with basically the last kick of the game.

While many had Spain down as the pre-tournament favourites, England showed more class and a superb cutting edge to progress to the final four and will fancy their chances of going all the way in Slovakia.

Woltemade and Germany Still Look Dangerous

We’ve said it throughout the tournament in Slovakia and will repeat it: Germany look like the team to beat. They didn’t have it all their own way in their quarter-final tie against Italy, though.

The Italians took the lead and then scored an equaliser in the 96th minute to send the tie to extra time, after the Germans thought they’d won it in the 87th minute.

However, a long-distance winner from Merlin Röhl with three minutes to go in extra time was enough to secure passage for the Germans, who ultimately deserved the win.

Nick Woltemade was once again dangerous, scoring in the second half for his fifth of the tournament. The big centre forward has been the standout performer in the competition and will likely finish with the Golden Boot.

The Netherlands Are Improving

Like England, the Netherlands made heavy work of their group stage fixtures, but they put in a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance to defeat Portugal in the quarter-final.

Ruben van Bommel, son of former Netherlands international Mark, was dismissed early in the first half, but the Dutch managed to secure victory with a late strike by Ernest Poku.

We expect the Netherlands to be a tough nut for England to crack in the semi-final, but the holders will go into the tie as the favourites.

France Left it Late to Overcome Denmark

Denmark were the surprise package in the U21 Euros group stage, progressing as group winners with aspirations of going all the way.

However, they couldn’t hold onto their 2-1 lead against Les Bleus, and conceded in the 84th and 85th minutes to lose 3-2.

Djaoui Cisse was once again impressive for France, while Tottenham striker Mathys Tel was the ultimate match winner, ensuring his side made it to the final four.

UEFA Euro U21 Semi-Finals Fixtures

England will face the Netherlands in the semi-final, and France and Germany will contest the other match. Here are the details of the U21 Euros semi-final draw:

Wednesday 25th June 2025

• England v Netherlands (17.00)

• Germany v France (20.00)

Semi-Final Preview

If group stage performance was the key metric, then many would have expected Spain and Denmark to contest one of the semi-finals, not England and the Netherlands. But here we are.

England, as the defending champions, did enough to progress from the group stage and were at their best in their quarter-final win over Spain. The Netherlands put in a gritty display to defeat Portugal, an impressive feat given that they played for 70 minutes with ten men.

Still, we fancy England to have enough against the Netherlands, and predict another final appearance for the young Three Lions.

The other semi-final is more difficult to call, but given their impressive performances throughout this campaign, we expect Germany to be the other team in the final.

France are undoubtedly talented, but the Germans are extremely well organised and have danger up top, particularly with the tournament’s top scorer, Nick Woltemade in fine form.

Though anything can happen in the final four, we predict wins for England and Germany, setting up a stunning final in Slovakia.

How to Bet on UEFA Euro U21 at Parimatch

Parimatch is the home of football betting in the United Kingdom, and you can bet on each of the semi-final fixtures here. If you’re new to our sportsbook, click the “Sign Up” button and complete the registration form to kick things off.

Check for our latest offers before depositing, and then add funds to your account to place your bets. Back England to win and make it to their second consecutive U21 Euros final, or back the Netherlands to upset the young Lions.

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