Euro U21 Semi‑Finals: Can favorites deliver or will new names surprise Europe?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
The 2025 European Under-21 Championship is nearing its conclusion with the final three days from now. The tournament has been filled with drama and some shocking surprises, but all in all, it has been an entertaining journey.
Spain U21 and Italy U21, who are considered to be the most successful teams in this tournament, have been both eliminated, with their runs coming to an abrupt end in the quarter-finals. However, the reigning champions, England U21, are still hanging on and are dead serious about defending their crown.
The competition is tough, and that can't be denied, and the question remains: Can the favorites deliver, or will we see a new champion being crowned?
The Favourites: Who are they
England U21 are the defending champions, which is well known and recognized by many people. The Young Lions have made a name for themselves in the Euro U21 and are not a nation to be taken lightly.
They have made a total of 17 final appearances. Only three times did they manage to lift the prestigious trophy.
In the previous edition, it was nothing but a historic moment for them as they won their first crown in this tournament, ending a 39-year title drought.
Fast forward to the present, another history making moment is once again up for grabs. Conquer this current edition, and the Young Lions have become the first nation since Netherlands U21 to secure back-to-back titles. In the semifinal, everything is on the line as they face Netherlands U21. For more betting insights on this match, head on to our England U21 vs Netherlands U21 prediction.
The Semifinals: Fixtures, Key Players, and H2H meetings
England U21 vs Netherlands U21
- Referee: Vasilios Fotias
- Venue: Tehelne pole (Bratislava)
- Date & Time: 25 June 2025, 17:00 (BST)
England U21 is a nation with a point to prove in this competition by showing the world that their 2023 European Under-21 Championship Success was not a fluke.
The Young Lions did not perform that great in the current edition, but head coach Lee Carsley will be pleased that the youngsters showed grit and determination in their matches.
In the quarter-finals, they were faced with an arduous task in Spain U21. However, they made lightwork of the five-time champions securing a 3-1 away victory.
Key Player
Harvey Elliott
- 2 goals scored in the 2025 European Under-21 Championship
- Pass accuracy: 80.9%
- Aerial duels won (%): 75.0%
- Possession won final third (per 90): 1.52
- Recoveries per 90:5.17
Netherlands U21 , the big underdogs in this tournament, caused a major upset in the quarter-finals scraping past Portugal U21 in a slender 1-0 victory despite being at a numerical disadvantage on the field.
Key Players
Million Manhoef
- Shots per 90: 4.48
- Successful dribbles per 90: 2.99
- Keys in opposition boxes per 90: 8.22
Luciano Valente
- 2 goals scored and one assist in the 2025 European Under-21 Championship
- Odds created per 90: 2.28
- Keys in opposition box per 90: 6.08
England U21 vs Netherlands U21 past meetings in Euro U21:
There have been seven meetings between these two teams in the Euro U21, and England U21 have yet to secure a win. Netherlands U21 first win was in 2007 en route to securing back-to-back titles. The other two matches resulted in draws. Now they are set to renew acquaintances in the Euro U21 for the first time since 2018.
Germany U21 vs France U21
- Referee: Nick Walsh
- Venue: Kosicka futbalova arena (Kosice)
- Date & Time: 25 June 2025, 20:00 (BST)
Germany U21 have been a dominant team in this year's tournament. Unbeaten in their last four matches in the 2025 European Under-21 Championship, they cruised past nine-man Italy U21 to secure a 3-2 victory after extra time.
Key Player
Nick Woltemade
- has contributed largely to Germany U21's success in the current UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Directly involved in eight involvement goals, scoring five and dishing out three assists, he could turn out to be a key asset once again.
France U21 , on the other hand, are making their first appearance in the semifinal of the European Under-21 Championship since 2019. To get where they are now, the team managed to beat Denmark U21 3-2 in the quarter-final.
Key Players
Djaoui Cisse
- 3 goals scored in the 2025 European Under-21 Championship
- Pass accuracy: 90.0%
- Successful dribbles per 90: 2.98
- Tackles won per 90: 2.98
- Duels won per 90: 7.46
Mathys Tel
- Scored a late winner against Denmark U21 in the quarter-final, bringing his goal tally in the competition to two.
- Shots per 90: 5.63
- Shots on target per 90: 3.00
- Successful dribbles per 90: 1.88
Germany U21 v France U21 past meetings in Euro U21:
There have been three meetings between these two sides in the Euro U21, and Germany U21 have yet to secure a win. France U21 has emerged victorious on occasion, and the other two matches have resulted in draws.
