Football News

Euro U21 Final: England retain title with thrilling extra-time win against Germany

New Delhi: England defeated Germany with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory in the final of the Euro U21 in Bratislava, Slovakia. The Young Lions have won their second successive title under head coach Lee Carsley, who also guided them to win against Spain in the final two years ago.

England made a stunning start in the mega clash, with Elliot netting the first goal of the match in the fifth minute. Omari Hutchinson doubled the team’s advantage by slotting the ball through the legs of Noah Atubolu. Germany made a comeback just before half-time as Nelson Weiper scored the opening goal for his team.

Jonathan Rowe helps England win successive titles

England started the second half searching for a reply and almost got rewarded for the positive intent. Rocco Reitz fired an effort from the edge of the box, but failed to find the back of the net. Paul Nebel netted the equalising goal for the Germans in the 61st minute and almost scored the match-winning goal, but his effort hit the crossbar.

Lee Carsley made a few changes in the added time and introduced Rowe, Ethan Nwaneri, Samuel Iling-Junior and CJ Egan-Riley in the game. Rowe made an instant impact and netted the third goal for his team in the 92nd minute by flicking Morton’s whipped cross into the bottom-left corner.

Germany tried to put pressure and searched for an equaliser, but failed to go past the Young Lions’ defence as they won their second consecutive Euro U21 title.

England’s campaign in Euro U21

England won their opening game against the Czech Republic 3-1, but finished second in their group after a goalless draw against Slovenia and a 2-1 loss against Germany. Lee Carsley’s side changed their formation in the knockout stage and looked much more balanced. The Young Lions beat Spain 3-1 in the quarterfinal and the Netherlands 2-1 in the semifinal.

They dominated the first half in the final and were comfortable on the ball. England also showed great resilience and made a brilliant comeback in the summit clash.