U21 Euro Championship: Enticing price on Netherlands glory

With the group stages of this summer's tournament drawing to a close, Christian Crowther looks at how the outright markets are shaping up...

Thankfully, England's dismal campaign is now over following a third straight defeat of the tournament to hosts Israel.

The Young Lions will return home under a cloud, while beleaguered boss Stuart Pearce is left to defend the indefensible and looks set to lose his job.

"The players haven't delivered. I'm really disappointed with my team," said Pearce after England topped a truly miserable finals by finishing the supposedly easier Group A pointless.

Nevertheless, while Pearce and England are left to face the music, four teams will now be gearing up for the semi-finals, with Spain and Netherlands already assured a last-four berth ahead of their matchday three clash.

Outsiders for the trophy Norway 15.0 have acquitted themselves brilliantly in this tournament, having beaten England 3-1 and secured a draw with Group A winners Italy.

However, that latest draw did come against an Azzurrini side which rested many of their star attractions, so the Scandinavians' chances of glory are suitably rated given the class of opposition awaiting them.

Italy's 4.0-priced chances do grab the attention though. The most successful nation in the tournament's history travelled to Israel replete with many household names and have reaped the rewards.

Their commanding performance against England may only have produced one goal but the gulf in class was obvious. At the current odds, the Italians make a tempting bet, though their probable collision course with Spain does offset that somewhat.

Meanwhile, Group B's dominant pairing face off tonight with holders Spain still 2.3 favourites to successfully defend their trophy, despite securing only narrow victories in their first two matches.

Given that Netherlands' superior goal difference means that Spain must beat them to top Group B, a spot which instigates a match-up against Norway in the semis, the Jong Oranje's price of 3.65 to win it has to be the value bet presently.

Elsewhere, the top scorer market is warming up nicely, with four players still left in the tournament currently on two.

Italy's Manolo Gabbiadini 3.25 is only guaranteed one more game, while Netherlands' pair Georgino Wijnaldum 4.4 and super sub Leroy Fer 10.0 will square up with Spain's Alvaro Morata 5.1 on Wednesday night.

Given the Dutch will likely meet Norway, PSV's class act Wijnaldum is very tempting at that price.

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