England U21 vs Germany U21 Prediction: Best Bets & Lineups for tonight's U21 Euro 2025 Final

With kick-off just moments away, the starting lineups are confirmed and the stage is set for a blockbuster Under 21 Euro 2025 Final between England and Germany, live on Channel 4 at 8pm.

The two sides met earlier in the group stage - a tightly contested clash that Germany edged 2-1. The Germans have powered through the tournament with a 100% record, capped by a dominant 3-0 win over France in the semi-finals.

But don't write off Lee Carsley’s England. The defending champions have grown into the competition and are banking on experience and momentum to help them retain the title tonight.

With the teams named and the atmosphere building, Oli Nixon has delivered his final verdict, including his top betting picks ahead of what promises to be a thrilling finale.

England U21 vs Germany U21 Tips

With so much at stake, to be getting odds against at 7/5 for both teams to receive two cards in any final feels generous, let alone one between two nations with a tumultuous history. The group meeting between these sides only saw one card; however, it was something of a dead rubber with both teams almost certain to qualify and even so, there were 25 fouls in the game, so it was not short of combativeness.

England’s games have been lacking in cards so far in this tournament, however, the 2023 final against Spain saw nine bookings with a 5-4 split. Germany matches have been more consistent for cards with them averaging 1.4 per game, while their opponents have received a massive four per game.

Crucial to any card bet is the man in the middle, Dutchman Sander van der Eijk. who has a healthy enough career average of 3.32 cards per game. Although he also officiated the previous meeting between these teams, the occasion is much more significant this time around, and his hand should be forced to go to his pocket. 

As one of the most experienced players in Lee Carsley’s squad, Harvey Elliott arrived in Slovakia with responsibility on his shoulders to provide the bulk of England’s attacking threat.

The Liverpool midfielder has done just that, netting four goals, three of which have come in the knockout stages. His match-winning brace in the semi-final against the Netherlands came from four shots on target as he thrived in being the focal point of a team, perhaps frustrated at not being used in a similar role for his club side Liverpool.

If England are to retain their title, Elliott feels crucial to their chances and as a player who should be full of confidence, he’ll need no invitation to pull the trigger.

The Germans have been typically efficient in reaching the final with only Italy causing them any trouble in the quarter finals. However, they have given up 4.4 efforts on goal per game and in the reverse fixture allowed England to work the goalkeeper on five occasions.

They’ve scored at least twice in every game in the competition and so there’s every chance they take the lead in Bratislava and if they do, it should mean more chances for England and Elliott to get shots off, with 2+ Shots on Target my second bet at 23/10 with Paddy Power.

England U21 vs Germany U21 Lineups

Check out the starting lineups for England U21 vs Germany U21 which kicks-off shortly at 8pm BST.

England U21 vs Germany U21 Odds