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England U21s left to sweat on Euro semi-final opponents

Lewis Baker's goal helped England to a 3-0 win over Poland on Thursday
Image: Lewis Baker's goal helped England to a 3-0 win over Poland on Thursday

England U21s could face a semi-final against Germany at the European Championship, but will not know until Saturday when the group stage comes to completion.

Aidy Boothroyd's side secured their place in the final four with a 3-0 win over hosts Poland on Thursday night, ensuring them top spot in Group A.

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The three-group format means there are four possible opponents awaiting the Young Lions in the next round. England will play either Portugal from Group B or Germany, Italy or the Czech Republic from Group C.

Each group winner earns a spot in the semi-finals, with the last place being given to the best runner-up from the group stage.

Slovakia, who finished second in Group A behind England with six points and a goal difference of +3, currently look the most likely to take that place - meaning England would face the leaders of Group C.

Group C - As things stand

P W D L Pts
Germany 2 2 0 0 6
Czech Rep. 2 1 0 1 3
Italy 2 1 0 1 3
Denmark 2 0 0 2 0

Germany again?

Germany currently top of Group C with six points from their first two games, making another European Championship semi-final against England likely.

If Slovakia fail to qualify as best runner-up, England will face either Portugal (who are the only team in Group B that could finish in a better position than Slovakia) or Germany, Italy or the Czech Republic (who could all finish in second place with a better record than Slovakia) in Group C.

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Big game experience

Boothroyd feels England teams are now starting to play with confidence at major tournaments, which could bode well for the senior side in the future.

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Highlights of England’s Euro U21 Championship match against Poland

"It is all part of a long-term plan," he said. "The building of St George's Park, the players in terms of personnel in important positions. There has been some investment into it. I think it is starting to bear fruit.

"We have got good players at all age groups and the fact that we are getting this experience at these stages of tournaments is good for English football. It gives us a bit of a boost with the development teams. Gareth's (Southgate) appointment (as senior manager) has given everyone a lift."

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