Football
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England have advantage in U21 Euro semifinal - Germany boss

Germany Under-21 boss Stefan Kuntz claims England have an advantage ahead of their Euro 2017 semifinal showdown.

The 54-year-old believes the Young Lions' extra rest could give them the edge ahead of Tuesday's last-four game in Tychy.

Germany were runners-up in Group C after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Italy knocked them off top spot, with England having already booked a semifinal place 48 hours before.

Kuntz said: "It could be an advantage that England have had a couple more days rest than us. But they are young players and they can handle it. It would be a small advantage.

"It is a 50-50 game and whoever is in best shape with their performance will win.

"We need to improve our build-up game. We didn't use spaces well enough. Also we had something to lose. It is a knockout match and we will be well prepared.

"The best four countries are Spain, Italy, Germany and England. These are right now the best countries in Europe. We are looking forward to seeing who is the best. It is fun.

"We want to play the biggest teams. After that you'll know if you are better, or you get experience and know how to get better for the next time.''

Kuntz scored in the penalty shootout in Germany's semifinal win over England at Euro 96, having also scored in normal time during the 1-1 draw at Wembley.

Germany won 6-5 on penalties after Gareth Southgate's miss but Kuntz insisted his young team will not practice spot-kicks.

He said: "No, we won't practice. The circumstances of running 120 minutes and the pressure of the situation you can't create it. It makes no sense to train penalties.

"We have watched England in the group games and we had a test against them in March [a 1-0 win]. We have lots of material and we will prepare our team accordingly.''

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