England U-21 vs. Azerbaijan U-21: Match Preview and Predictions

Introduction

England U-21 and Azerbaijan U-21 are set to face off in a crucial UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier on Thursday, March 24, 2023. The Three Lions will look to continue their impressive form in the competition, while Azerbaijan will be aiming to cause an upset and boost their chances of qualification.

England U-21: Form and Key Players

Form:

England U-21 have been in scintillating form in recent months, winning four of their last five matches. They kicked off their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Kosovo and followed it up with a 4-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic.

Key Players:

• Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa): The dynamic midfielder has been a key figure for England U-21, contributing with goals and assists.
• Harvey Elliott (Liverpool): The talented winger has impressed with his creativity and goalscoring prowess.
• Folarin Balogun (Reims): The Arsenal loanee is a natural goalscorer who has been prolific for both club and country.

Azerbaijan U-21: Form and Key Players

Form:

Azerbaijan U-21 have had mixed fortunes in their qualifying campaign so far. They suffered an opening-day defeat to Switzerland but bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Estonia.

Key Players:

• Kamil Huseynov (Qarabag): The captain and midfielder is Azerbaijan's most experienced player at U-21 level.
• Rauf Aliyev (Zirə): The winger is known for his pace and dribbling ability.
• Mukhtarov Mammadov (Sabail): The striker is Azerbaijan's top scorer in the qualifying campaign so far.

Head-to-Head Record

England U-21 and Azerbaijan U-21 have met only once before, with England winning 5-0 in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Match Preview

England U-21 will be the clear favorites going into this match. However, Azerbaijan U-21 will be keen to make a statement and prove that they are not to be underestimated.

England U-21 Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson (Newcastle United)
• Defenders: Max Aarons (Norwich City), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Burnley), Levi Colwill (Brighton & Hove Albion)
• Midfielders: Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
• Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Reims), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Anthony Gordon (Everton)

Azerbaijan U-21 Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Shakhrudin Magomedaliyev (Qarabag)
• Defenders: Rustam Agayev (Sabah), Vusal Isgandarov (Neftchi Baku), Bahruz Huseynzade (Sumgayit)
• Midfielders: Kamil Huseynov (Qarabag), Sabuhi Salmanov (Neftchi Baku), Murad Akhundov (Zira)
• Forwards: Rauf Aliyev (Zira), Mukhtarov Mammadov (Sabail), Samir Gambarov (Qarabag)

Predictions

England U-21 to win: 75%
Azerbaijan U-21 to win: 10%
Draw: 15%

England U-21 are heavily favored to win this match based on their superior form and quality. Azerbaijan U-21 will need to pull off a major upset to get a positive result.

Conclusion

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship is a prestigious tournament that showcases the future stars of European football. England U-21 and Azerbaijan U-21 will be hoping to make their mark in this competition and secure a place at the finals.

Tables

Table 1: England U-21 Squad

Table 2: Azerbaijan U-21 Squad

Table 3: UEFA European Under-21 Championship Standings

| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 6 |
| Kosovo | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| Switzerland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 3 |
| Azerbaijan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
| Czech Republic | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
| Estonia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 0 |

Stories and Lessons

Story 1:

In the previous qualifying match, England U-21 faced a resilient Czech Republic team. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, England struggled to break down the Czech defense. However, in the 75th minute, Jacob Ramsey scored a stunning goal from outside the box to give England the lead. This goal showcased England's patience and resilience, as well as their ability to find a winning goal even when the opposition is well-organized.

Lesson:

Even against tough opposition, staying patient and persistent can lead to success.

Story 2:

Azerbaijan U-21 showed great character in their victory over Estonia. After going behind to an early goal, Azerbaijan fought back and scored three unanswered goals to secure the win. This result demonstrated Azerbaijan's fighting spirit and their ability to overcome adversity.

Lesson:

Never give up, even when faced with setbacks.

Story 3:

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship provides a valuable platform for young players to develop and showcase their talents. Many players who have excelled in this tournament have gone on to become stars at the senior international level.

Lesson:

Youth development and international experience are crucial for the growth of future football stars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating Azerbaijan U-21: England U-21 may be the favorites, but Azerbaijan has the potential to cause an upset if England does not take them seriously.
• Being too complacent: England U-21 must avoid becoming complacent due to their superior form. They need to focus on each match and give their full effort regardless of the opponent.
• Failing to convert chances: England U-21 have created numerous chances in recent matches but have not always been clinical in front of goal. They need to take their opportunities if they want to win matches comfortably.

Pros and Cons

Pros of England U-21:

• Superior form
• More experienced and talented players
• Stronger team chemistry

Cons of England U-21:

• History of being inconsistent in qualifying campaigns
• Lack of depth in certain positions
• Pressure of being the favorites

Pros of Azerbaijan U-21:

• Underdogs with nothing to lose
• Potential for a surprise result
• Fighting spirit

Cons of Azerbaijan U-21:

• Less experienced and talented players
• Weaker team chemistry
• History of underperforming in qualifying campaigns