The UEFA European Under-21 Championship quarter-finals get underway this evening, live on Channel 4.

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship quarter-finals get underway this evening, live on Channel 4.

Portugal vs Netherlands – 4.30pm

Live from the Stadión pod Dubňom in Žilina, Jules Breach, Joe Cole, and Jermain Defoe bring coverage of the first quarter-final clash: Portugal take on the Netherlands. The group stage went largely to script, with the tournament favourites progressing without too much trouble – setting up a thrilling knockout round.
Portugal have looked imperious so far, netting nine goals and conceding none. The Netherlands, by contrast, had a bumpier ride, only sealing their quarter-final spot with a final-day win over Ukraine. On form, Portugal are the side to beat – but history favours the Dutch, who have never lost to Portugal in this competition.

England vs Spain – 7.15pm

Later this evening, it’s a rematch of the 2023 final as England face Spain at the Anton Malatinský Stadium in Trnava.

Lee Carsley’s Young Lions made it through their group in second place, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing. They opened with a solid 3-1 win over Czechia, but were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia before suffering a 2-1 loss to Germany. Still, standout performances from Harvey Elliott, Tino Livramento, and skipper James McAtee offer reasons for optimism.

Their reward? A tough test against pre-tournament favourites Spain, who – despite topping their group – haven’t looked as dominant as expected, snatching both their wins with late goals. With quality stacked on both sides, this has all the makings of a classic.

Coverage of both matches is presented live by Jules Breach, Joe Cole, and Jermain Defoe on Channel 4.