England vs. Romania: 2019 U21 Euro Live Stream, Schedule and Prediction

James Dudko @@JamesDudkoFeatured ColumnistJune 20, 2019

CESENA, ITALY - JUNE 18: Phil Foden of England celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the 2019 UEFA U-21 Championship Group C match between England and France at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on June 18, 2019 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

England need to rebound from a 2-1 loss to France when they face Romania at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship on Friday.

The Young Lions wasted a lead after holding midfielder Hamza Choudhury was sent off against Les Bleus in Cesena, Italy, on Tuesday.

The Leicester City man is now suspended, but Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden will give England hope after an eye-catching display.

Romania will be confident about piling on the misery for coach Aidy Boothroyd's team, having got their own Group C campaign under way with a resounding 4-1 win over Croatia.

Ianis Hagi and George Puscas impressed for a side with enough ingenuity in forward areas to punish England early.

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Date: Friday, June 21

Time: 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET

TV Info: Sky Sports Football

Live Stream: Sky Go, WatchESPN

Prediction: 2-3

Foden's quick feet and initial burst will be vital for England's attempts to break down Romania in the final third. Those skills proved too much for France when the Etihad Stadium starlet waltzed his way to a stunning solo goal:

Sky Sports Football @SkyFootball
Wow, what a goal. 🤤 Phil Foden dribbles past half of the French team before slotting the ball in the corner to give @England the lead! 🎯 Watch the #YoungLions take on France live on Sky Sports Football now or follow online: https://t.co/nnSPDcmXkj https://t.co/wo51qMZn4H

Far from an isolated example of inspiration, the 19-year-old's goal was the signature moment of a strong all-round performance:

Scouted Football @ScoutedFtbl
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Phil Foden (19) vs France U-21: 57 touches 32/36 passes 4/6 dribbles 3/5 tackles 3/4 long balls 1/1 through ball 1 interception 1 foul won 1 shot 1 goal Completely comfortable at this level. https://t.co/0BFWLlHJTa

While Foden was heavily involved, Boothroyd needs more from James Maddison. The Leicester No. 10 is a classy creator of goals and deadly from set-pieces when at his best.

However, the 22-year-old couldn't always impose himself against an athletic France midfield led by former Arsenal player Jeff Reine-Adelaide.

Getting Maddison involved early and often will ensure the pace of wide forwards Ryan Sessegnon and Demarai Gray isn't wasted.

England's attempts to own the middle of the park will encounter stiff resistance from a Romania side built to boss the engine room. Skilled enforcer Tudor Baluta showcased his complete game against Croatia:

Scouted Football @ScoutedFtbl
🇷🇴 Tudor Băluță (20) vs Croatia U21: 79 touches 44/56 passes 6/9 long balls 5/7 tackles 4 key passes 2/2 aerial duels 2 interceptions 2 clearances 1 goal Combative and creative. Croatia left crushed. https://t.co/XnV1213Uu5

The Brighton & Hove Albion holding midfielder isn't the only budding star in Romania's ranks. Hagi is a cultured creator who poses a considerable threat thanks to his technique with both feet:

FootballTalentScout @FTalentScout
Ianis Hagi's ambidexterity is something really special. Absolutely love to watch these perfectly two-footed footballers like him, Piotr Zielinski or Benfica's Jota.

Having Hagi and Baluta around means Puscas is rarely short of chances. The Palermo striker was on target from the penalty spot against Croatia, and he makes the kind of perceptive runs off the ball that are sure to cause England problems.

If Boothroyd can't lift his players from the disappointment of losing the lead so late against France, Romania have the quality in forward areas to send Foden and Co. home early.