Allen Hamilton
What: 2013 European Under-21 Championship
Who: Israel U21 vs England U21
When: Tuesday, 11th June, 2013, at 17:00 UK Time
Where: Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem, Israel
Valiant Effort
Israel, despite being the tournament hosts, were not expected to qualify for the knockout phase and to even still be in with a chance of doing so on the final match day may be saluted as a good showing. To qualify, Israel would need a six-goal swing to go in their favour with Norway, while hoping the Norwegians lose against Italy. Stranger things have happened, but Israel will only be focused on trying to end their campaign with a win.
The game is also likely to represent coach Guy Luzon's last in charge, with the coach heading to take charge of Standard Liege. A 4-0 defeat against Italy last time out has not dampened Luzon's spirits, with the coach praising his players. "I started out three years ago and it has been great fun. I was honoured to coach these guys", he said. "Coaches love their players most after they win but I enjoyed my squad the most after I saw them in the dressing room following the 4-0 loss against Italy. If I could choose a place to finish it would be here in Jerusalem. Just coming here and seeing this city makes me feel a lot better."
With England suffering a nightmare tournament, Luzon will surely sense blood and believe there is every chance he can end his spell as Israel U21 coach with a victory.
On The Way Out
England have endured a miserable tournament with defeats against Italy and Norway. Stuart Pearce's men were expected to fight with Italy for top spot in the group, but instead are reliving the 2011 tournament, which also saw them crash out at the group stage. But it is not just England heading out, with the indications being that it will be hard for Pearce to keep his job after this debacle.
Still, the former Manchester City manager may yet be able to turn the tide if England can grab a comprehensive victory against the hosts. And that is what the Young Lions will be aiming for, he has insisted. "This is our last game of this tournament and it's important that we go out with a victory – we don't want to finish bottom of the group", he explained. "The players are very disappointed by the results of the first two games but they've kept focused, the training has been very good and the application has been fantastic. They're desperate to put in a performance."
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for England has been the failure of several touted as the senior side's next big talents to step up to the plate. Can they turn the tide against Israel?
Recent form
Israel U21:
Israel 1-0 Slovakia (29/05; Friendly)
Israel 2-2 Norway (05/05; Euro U21)
Israel 0-4 Italy (08/06; Euro U21)
England U21:
England 4-0 Austria (25/03; Friendly)
England 0-1 Italy (05/06; Euro U21)
England 1-3 Norway (08/06; Euro U21)
Players to watch
Israel – Nir Biton: Israel need a captain's performance from their all-action midfielder in Jerusalem and Biton will be keen to rise to the occasion. He scored from the penalty spot in Israel's opening 2-2 draw with Norway and much responsibility is sure to rest on his shoulders again here.
England – Thomas Ince: One of those tipped for bigger and better things, Ince can do his reputation no harm with a good performance in this match. While he shone in England's second tier this season, the international stage is a different challenge.
Match Prediction
Israel do have some hope of qualifying, even if their chances are very slim. This, combined with home advantage, should be enough to push the hosts on. For England, motivation could be a little lacking and Pearce will have to earn his corn. Of course, the Young Lions may perform better with the pressure off, but the likelihood is that their poor tournament will continue. Israel 2-1 England.
Betting on Israel U21 v England U21? Don't before you've read our Betting Preview!
