England vs. Poland: European U21 Championship Live Stream, Schedule, Prediction
England will face host nation Poland in Group A at the UEFA 2017 European U21 Championship on Thursday. A win for the Three Lions at the Kielce Stadium will guarantee qualification for the semi-final.
England's hopes of qualifying were kept alive when they came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 on Monday. Meanwhile, Poland could only manage a draw with defending champions Sweden, putting the hosts on the brink of elimination.
Before a preview and prediction, here are the schedule and viewing details:
Date: Thursday, June 22
Time: 7:45 p.m. BST. 2:45 p.m. ET.
TV Info: Sky Sports 1. ESPN 3.
Preview
England will rely on target man Tammy Abraham again, after the Chelsea striker helped key the turnaround against Slovakia. The 19-year-old took the fight to the Slovakia defence, playing with his back to goal and routinely making the ball stick so England could launch attacks on the break.
A great example of Abraham's skilful hold-up play preceded England's second goal, per Seb Stafford-Bloor of the London Evening Standard: "Chelsea's Tammy Abraham then had a key part in setting up the winner for Nathan Redmond, who lashed a deflected drive into the far corner."
Aside from Abraham, Southampton forward Redmond proved a constant menace against Slovakia. He used his pace and perceptive movement to always give England an outlet between the lines. Expect Redmond to again be key against a Poland back line breached four times through two matches.
The Poles may rely on creative midfielder Patryk Lipski for their own impetus in attacking areas. An astute passer, the 23-year-old Ruch Chorzow No. 10 has the vision to unlock an England defence led by Arsenal centre-back Calum Chambers.
Ultimately, though, the junior Three Lions should have too much pace and power up top for the hosts. Expect England to edge another close game and send Poland out.
Prediction: England 2-1 Poland
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