England U21s vs Israel U21s

England will seek to make it two wins from two in the European Under-21 Championship when they face Israel on Sunday.

Lee Carsley’s Young Lions secured a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic to get proceedings underway earlier this week but will need to be more efficient in front of goal to see off an Israel side who emerged with a 1-1 draw against a Germany side who battered them from pillar to post.

Here’s all you need to know about this one.

England U21s vs Israel U21s H2H Results

Current Form (Last Five Games)

James Garner’s inclusion as a right-back against the Czech Republic was a surprise but the Everton man held his own and may merit another start.

A decision will have to be made in attack after Cameron Archer and Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to combine for the second goal last time out, but Carsley will struggle to demote any of Anthony Gordon, Jacob Ramsey or Noni Madueke.

(4-4-2): Trafford; Garner, Harwood-Bellis, Colwill, Aarons; Madueke, Jones, Gomes, Ramsey; Gibbs-White, Gordon

Eden Karzev will serve a suspension after being sent off against Germany, so expect Zurich midfielder Arad Bar to start in his place.

Perhaps the biggest blow of all, however, came late on against Germany as Oscar Gloukh was withdrawn through injury. As the talisman of this team, Gloukh will not be easy to replace.

(3-4-2-1): Peretz; Gandelman, Cohen, Lemkin; Jaber, Azoulay, Bar, Revivo; Layous, Bilu; Turgeman

Israel were forced to sit back and defend for their lives against Germany, and they did a fantastic job of that to secure a point. The question is, will lightning strike twice here?

There’s no doubting England’s status as heavy favourites for this one, particularly if Gloukh is not fully fit, but they can ill afford another 90 minutes of missed chances against a team who will likely be playing for exactly that.

Fortunately for Carsley’s side, they are overflowing with quality that should wear Israel down and lead to victory.

Prediction: England U21s 2-0 Israel U21s