England U-21s vs Israel U-21s predictions: England aiming to secure quarter-final spot
- England won their opening fixture against Czech Republic 2-0
- Israel opened with a surprise 1-1 draw with Germany
- Recommended Bet: England and under 3.5 goals
England got off to a strong start at the European Under-21 Championship, winning 2-0 against Czech Republic, and they will be aiming to secure a quarter-final berth with a game to spare by defeating Israel in Kutaisi.
England's Under-21s were knocked out at the group stage after losing their opening two matches two years ago.
However, they got off to a flying start in Georgia after second-half goals from Jacob Ramsey and Emile Smith Rowe steered them to success over the Czechs.
The Young Lions have established a two-point lead at the top of Group C, but they will have respect for Israel, who began their challenge with a surprise 1-1 draw against reigning champions Germany and are attempting to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
Team news
Brentford attacker Keane Lewis-Potter sustained a knee injury in March which curtailed his Premier League season and ruled him out of contention for the European Championship.
Smith Rowe was a scoring substitute against the Czechs and will be pushing for a first start of the tournament.
Cameron Archer is another option should Lee Carsley wish to make any changes up front.
Israel will be without Eden Kartsev, who received a red card in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Germany.
Attacking midfielder Arad Bar came on at half-time against the Germans and he looks a strong contender to start at the weekend.
The stats
England have won eight of their last nine competitive games and have kept clean sheets in four of their last six competitive matches. However, they lost pre-tournament friendlies against Croatia (1-2) and Japan (0-2).
Israel have won just one of their last seven matches and have drawn the last three, including Thursday's 1-1 against Germany.
All of Israel's last six matches have featured less than three goals.
Prediction
England were fairly comfortable winners against the Czech Republic in their opening match at the European Championship and should be too strong for Israel on Sunday.
Lee Carsley's side favour a possession-based approach but they have the tools to penetrate opposition defences and created plenty of openings against the Czechs.
The Young Lions racked up 26 goals in 10 qualifying games and their offensive quality was seen against the Czechs, who were forced onto the back foot for long periods.
Ramsey and Smith Rowe grabbed the goals on Thursday but there were lively performances from attacking trio Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon, who looked at home on the big stage.
Israel will be hard-pressed but they are sure to take some confidence from securing a shock 1-1 draw with Germany.
Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was their hero against the Germans, saving a penalty in each half, while Kartsev almost became the villain after his first-half red card.
Israel worked tirelessly to successfully soak up a lot of second half pressure against Germany, but their energy reserves may be running low and they may struggle to avoid a loss to the Young Lions.
