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England favourites for glory

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 26/06/2009

Hosts Sweden face sportsbook favourites England in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship on Friday but the eventual winners of the tournament could come from the other game between Italy and Germany.

The competition has already seen its fair share of surprises with much-fancied Serbia failing to win any of their three group games, while Spain made an early exit after slumping to a limp 2-0 defeat against England.

Sweden were thought to be one of the dark horses to win the two-week extravaganza but a 5-1 thrashing of Belarus boosted their confidence and, despite losing their next game to Italy, they finished second in the group courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Serbia.

Marcus Berg has been a revelation, scoring five goals in three matches, and boosting his chances of sealing a lucrative move away from Dutch side Groningen later this summer.

He would appear to be the biggest threat to Stuart Pearce's team, although Gustav Svensson has also impressed in defence.

Can Sweden upset the odds and overcome England? - Latest Football Betting

Despite their favourites tag and a host of big-name Premier League regulars in their ranks, England have flattered to deceive at times in the last fortnight.

They were fortunate to edge past Finland 2-1 in their opening match when Michael Mancienne's first-half dismissal appeared to have damaged their chances of victory, only to then produce a strong display to see off Spain 2-0.

Mancienne was also at fault for the goal England conceded in the 1-1 draw against Germany although Pearce decided to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up as his team had already qualified for the last four.

The Germans are attempting to win the tournament for the first time in their history but have probably been the least unimpressive of the four semi-finalists to date.

They struggled to qualify and then scrambled through the group stage but will be hoping that, like the senior team, that is a precursor for success in Friday's semi-final and then Monday's final.

A 2-0 victory over Finland and draws with Spain and England helped them finish as runners-up in Group B but they appear to lack the flair to get past a talented Italy line-up.

The Italians, coached by Pierluigi Casiraghi, beat Sweden and Belarus 2-1 at the group stage and can always call on the talents of Internazionale striker Mario Balotelli.

They are also the most successful country in the history of the competition with five wins, including three in the 1990s.

Both matches should be tight affairs but an Italy versus England final would appear to the most likely outcome.

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