Internationals / Mike Norman / 21 June 2009 / Leave a comment

Mike Norman reflects on week one of the U21 European Championship, the players that have impressed, who has what to play for, and England's chances of winning the trophy.

After 45 minutes of England's game against Finland, I'd have needed to don a white coat to suggest that, just six days later, our lads would be the only team to have booked a semi-final slot at the U21 European Championship, and Finland will be the only team with nothing to play for in their final group game.

I suppose it's testament to the squad, and especially the managerial skills stroke determination of Stuart Pearce, that at 1-1, down to ten men, and playing poorly, England somehow went on to snatch all three points against the Fins, before raising their game considerably in the 2-0 victory over Spain.

Centre back Micah Richards has been outstanding for the junior Three Lions and is easily one of the players of the tournament so far. He took his time to find his feet in that first game, but ironically, after central defensive partner Michael Mancienne had been dismissed, Richards assumed a more responsible role and put in a great performance, culminating in heading what proved to be the match winning goal.

Against Spain, Richards was outstanding alongside regular partner Nedum Onuoha, putting in a man of the match performance in restricting a very dangerous Spanish attack to long range efforts only.

In midfield, Lee Cattermole, Fabrice Muamba and Mark Noble have been massive driving forces for the team, covering every blade of grass in their role as fulcrums from which England's success is achieved.

As I mentioned yesterday, the prospect of a back-to-form Theo Walcott will add immense quality to an already talented England side, and having seen every team in the tournament at least twice now, I wouldn't put anyone off backing England at [3.4] to become the U21 European Champions.

At [3.55], Italy are arguably England's most serious rivals for the trophy. Pierluigi Casiraghi's men need just a draw against Belarus in their final group game to be certain of qualification.

Star striker Mario Balotelli (who is suspended for the game against Belarus) will return for the semi-finals, and just like Walcott for England, he will be a key player if showing his best form. Regardless of Balotelli's impact however, creative forward Sebastian Giovinco has already impressed in the two games he has played, assisting both the Italians goals in their 2-1 win over tournament hosts Sweden.

They key game in Group A on Tuesday is Serbia's encounter with the Swedes. A win for either nation will guarantee a semi-final berth, whilst a draw will see Sweden progress and the Serbs eliminated.

Sweden are available to back at [7.4] in the Outright Winner market, whilst Serbia can be backed at [9.4]. In Group A, Italy are the [1.31] favourites to top the group, Serbia are [4.0] and Sweden are the marginal outsiders at [4.4].

The other team that will qualify along with England from Group B will be either Germany or Spain. Germany just need a draw on Monday against their old rivals, but the England lads are determined to carry on winning. The morale in the England camp couldn't be higher, and if they say they will beat Germany then that will do for me. If this happens, then a convincing win for Spain over Finland will see them qualify instead of Germany.

I'm not surprised then, that Spain have been matched at odds of up to [38.0] to win the tournament. Those odds will shorten to around [3.5] if they qualify. You've been warned.