European Under 21 Championship 2013

With the World Cup next year and the European Championship just 2 years away, this summers’ European Under 21 Championship is going to have more attention on it than in recent years, while it's filling a yawning gap in the football and sporting schedule for those fans who are already suffering from a lack of action. 

Much like their senior counterparts, Spain are generally seen as the elite side in Europe at this level and are very worthy favourites. Winners four years ago, Spain look to have another generation, which is just as talented as their counterparts. Qualifying for the tournament by winning 9 out of 10 games on their way here, and drawing their other fixtures, Spain boast top notice Goalkeeper David De Gea, fresh from a wonderful season with Manchester United where he overcame doubts about his all round game in fine style, and Barcelona centre backs Martin Montoya and Marc Batra are already blessed with Champions League experience, while Nacho Fernadez has made 10 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid.

In midfield, Spains’ traditional stronghold, their depth is unrivalled. Thiago Alanctara provides exceptional skill and force and has been linked with a myriad of top clubs this summer after an extremely proficient season for Barcelona, where he is now breaking into a midfield which comprises some of the finest players of recent years. Sergio Canales played an important part in Valencia’s recent push for a top 4 place in Spain, while Iker Munain has been dubbed the ‘Spanish Messi’ by media, albeit that coming in much better times for his Bilbao side. The very fact that they might not even be the best player in the side – that honor should be befelled upon Isco, who has been strongly linked towards  Manchester City after lighting up the Champions League this season for Malaga. At 10/1, he is worth backing for the player of the tournament honours.

Upfront, Barcelona’s Christian Tello – value to win the golden boot - is one of the quickest players at this tournament, and while there are some concerns about his selfishness, his ability is unquestionable. Alvaro Morata, on the fringes of Real Madrid, and Benfica’s Rodrigo, now an established regular as Newcastle fans will know all too well, heads a strong challenge. While they’re worthy favourites, a price of just 7/4 is short change given that they’re in the tougher half of the draw – with Holland, Russia and Germany in the group of death. They also bought a strong squad to the mixed age London 2012 tournament, only to fall out at the group stages, and they look better value for individual honours rather than overall glory.

Infact, it’s Holland, with 12 players who regularly ply their trade at a senior level, who make appeal as an each/way bet.  Borussia’s Mochengladbach’s Luuk De Jong already has even caps for the senior side, Ola John is an established frontman for Benfica already, and Gerory Wijandldum scored 19 times for PSV.

Midfielder Kevin Stootman was one of the shining stars of PSV’s season and will be ably shored up by Jordy Clasie and Adam Maher. However, one of the deciding factors may be the fact that centrebacks Daley

Blind and Richardo Van Rhijn have  played 30 times as a pairing for Ajax this season.

England came through their qualifying group without too much fuss but look too short given the deficit in quality separating them and the others given how many of their best young talents are absent. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, and Phil Jones are all absent while Callum Mcmanaman, Luke Shaw and Andros Townsend didn’t make it from original to final selection, but the same problems that blight their senior side are problematic for Stuart Pearce and the knockouts, should they make them, will be a big step up on their qualifying campaign.

Stuart Pearce’s side have a tough task against Italy, who look to be the best value of the tournament at 6/1. 5 time winners in the past, Italy are bringing through a fine crop of players in time for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championships and have had the luxury of splitting resourced between the Confederations Cup and this tournament.

Upfront, Liverpool striker Fabio Borini comes here fresh after a long injury curtailed his season with Liverpool, while Roma’s Mattia Destro has already made an impact for the national side, scoring at senior level. Lorenzo Insigne, Napoli’s heir apparent to Edinson Cavani, possesses exceptional pace and skill while also being a finishing option, having scored 37 goals in 2 seasons at Serie B before making the step up, and he looks to be value for player of the tournament honours if he can exert the same influence upon proceedings here as he has at home.

Juventus’s Luca Marrone and Alessandro Florenzi of Roma are well versed at Serie A level and should provide an important platform for Marco Veratti, the chief playmaker of the side, to open up Group B and then the later stages as he did for PSG this season in Ligue 1 and then the Champions League, drawing comparisons with Andrea Pirlo and then David Beckham for his composed, assured performances at the highest club level during the season. 

Advice

2 pts each/way Italy (6/1 general)

1 pt each/way Holland (7/1 Youwin, 6/1 general)

Advice – Top goalscorer

1 pt Christian Tello (16/1 Youwin)

Advice – Player of the tournament

1 pt Isco (14/1 Bet Victor)

1 pt Lorenzo Insigine (40/1 Bet Victor)