England in U21 Euros Final to Defend Crown

Posted on by footybet
England U21
Credit StanikKolarik via Bigstockphoto

Although there is no major tournament in senior men’s football this summer, there is still plenty of very watchable football taking place. Most fans are eschewing the FIFA Club World Cup, both in person and on TV. However, the Under 21 Euros, the Under 19 Euros and the European Women’s Championship mean they have plenty of choice when it comes to football before the domestic leagues start again in August.

The women’s tournament does not begin until the start of July, whilst sadly the Under 19s have already exited at the group stage, after two draws and a defeat in a tough quartet. However, England’s young Lions, under the expert guidance of Lee Carsley, have put a stuttering start to the defence of the crown they won in 2023 behind them.

They have grown into the tournament and now find themselves in the final. That will take place on Saturday the 28th of June in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava and will see them face old rivals Germany. Only three nations have ever won this tournament back to back but after brilliant performances in the quarter finals and semis, Carsley’s men now have their chance to make history.

England’s Route to the Final


England were drawn in Group B in this 16-team tournament, alongside Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. With two teams progressing to the last eight, they would have fancied their chances and they started well enough, with a 3-1 win over the Czechs.

Next up they faced Slovenia and were disappointing in a 0-0 draw which put them at risk of a shock early elimination. Their final game, which always seemed set to be crucial, was against Germany, one of the pre-tournament favourites, and Carsley’s side lost 2-1. They were 2-0 down after 33 minutes after a dreadful start and though they got one back in the 76th minute, they were unable to take anything from the game.

Thankfully they still progressed, with the Czechs beating Slovenia to leave England second on four points. Germany boasted a 100% record but they were arguably a little fortunate against England. Carsley’s men were poor in the first half but did enough in the second period to merit at least a point. Over the 90 minutes, they had two-thirds of the ball and whilst Germany scored with their only two shots on target, England managed five, as well as a further effort which hit the woodwork, yet could only score once.

Knockout Phase Sees Lions Improve

England Football LogoCarsley was very upset with his team’s response to conceding after just three minutes against Germany. He said his team were “shell-shocked” – perhaps not the best choice of words – but since the second half of that clash, they have hardly put a foot wrong.

Finishing second in Group B meant they would face the winners of Group A. That was Spain, who pipped Italy by virtue of goals scored after the pair finished level on seven points after drawing with each other 1-1. Spain were well fancied for glory in the tournament, with many bookies making them the favourites before a ball was kicked.

The bookies did a good job with the odds in general, with many pricing Spain, Germany, England and France at identical odds, or very close to it. Three of those four made the semis and Spain were the ones that missed out. They had a fine squad but some pundits felt they lacked a bit of experience, in part because several of their young stars represent the senior side.

Whether it was experience or football ability, England outplayed Spain in the quarters and thoroughly deserved their 3-1 victory. The Three Lions took on board Carsley’s message about starting games better and were two goals to the good after just 15 minutes, with goals from key players James McAtee and Harvey Elliott.

Spain got one back through a penalty after 39 minutes but England made things safe late on with a penalty of their own from Elliot Anderson towards the end of added time. England were much the better team in the first half and though they were value for the win, Spain pushed them close. Scorer Javi Guerra impressed and it needed a good double save from England stopper James Beadle to keep him out in the second half.

That set up a semi final against Netherlands, a side that had finished second in Group D, behind Denmark, but then got the better of Group C tabletoppers Portugal in the last eight thanks to a late goal. As in the Spain game, England started brightly, with Omari Hutchinson in particular impressing. They played some very nice football in patches but found Dutch keeper Robin Roefs in fine form.

Netherlands had just two shots and none on target in the first period but were better in the second 45 as Hutchinson and others faded. The Dutch had 59% of the ball in the second half, compared to just 46% in the first but it was England who looked more threatening.

The defending champions took the lead through the impressive Elliott, who produced a fine, powerful finish after a nice break. 10 minutes later, Noah Ohio scored with his first touch after coming on from the bench. The Dutch striker produced a sensational finish from range after a mistake from defender Charlie Cresswell. His first-time curling effort from range caught Beadle out of position and it was game on.

With the spectre of injury time looming, Elliott scored a cracking goal, worthy of winning any game. He strode through the Dutch midfield and defence before hammering home from the edge of the box.

Germany Await in the Final


Germany had a 100% record in the group phase and were the only semi finalist to top their group. And, of course, they beat England. In the quarters, they beat Italy 3-2 after extra time in a game that saw them take a 2-1 lead after 87 minutes only to give it up in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Germany, who were tipped by many to win the tournament, then beat France with ease in the semis, winning 3-0. They won this tournament in 2009, 2017 and 2021 and so, like England, are bidding for a fourth success. Three of the last four finals have ended 1-0, so Saturday’s game should be tight.

Germany boast the man dubbed the “two-metre Messi-Musiala” (not the catchiest name but quite the claim), Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade. He is the tournament’s top scorer, with six, but we fancy England’s wider array of fine attackers – Ethan Nwaneri has been relegated to the bench – will see them edge this and defend their crown.