One semi-final place remains to be decided today in the European under-21 Nations Cup in Madrid - and Ireland have an outside chance of taking it by finishing second in Pool B. However, they need to, not only beat France this morning (say by 3-0 or 4-1 to build up a goal difference), but they also require England to defeat Holland by a big margin in the midday sun.

A draw or a narrow defeat would see the Dutch through but they may feel nervous after their 3-3 encounter with Ireland, so table toppers England could well outflank them. Of course, there is also the factor as to whether the Irish side can outscore the French, who have been defiant opponents in the last two Celtic Cup tournaments before surrendering the laurels.