England U21s are into a second successive Euros final thanks to a second-half double from Harvey Elliott that downed the Netherlands and kept Lee Carsley’s team on course to retain their title. Elliott scored the decisive winner just five minutes before the final whistle in the blistering heat of Bratislava.
The Young Lions, who were triumphant in the previous tournament in 2023, took the lead courtesy of a second-half strike from the Liverpool attacker which was set up by Tino Livramento. Their Dutch opponents drew level through substitute Noah Ohio, whose inventive 35-yard shot surprised goalkeeper James Beadle with his very first touch. Elliott, wearing the captain’s armband, then stepped up once more for England. He collected the ball on the right, weaved past several defenders before firing a shot into the bottom corner from distance.
That was enough to put Lee Carsley’s side into Saturday night’s final in the capital of Slovakia. Either Germany or France will be their opponents in the showdown match. Those two nations go head-to-head in the second semi-final this evening.
A visibly knackered Elliott, feeling the heat after playing in 33 degrees celsius at the national football stadium at Tehelne Pole, told Channel 4 post-match: “Amazing. Really tough game but bloody hell, it’s incredible. Another final. Really tough conditions once again but the lads dug deep. We’ve got a few players missing because of the Club World Cup and transfers but now we have a chance to go and win it again.
“I know I keep saying it, but we need to rest, recover and go again. It is not over yet. Tonight was another amazing experience. I think we deserve this final. It is about recovering, resting and going again.”
Elliott hurt his knee when celebrating his second goal and explained: “My knee is bloody hurting. I don’t know what I have done to it. Hopefully it is nothing too serious. Silly decision from me, but one of them. Live in the moment, you do these things.
“The pitch was ridiculously dry, but that’s the price I have got to pay. It has been really tough preparation wise. As I said before, we had many players who had to drop out, Club World Cup and transfers. We want to do it for everyone who can’t be here. It is one last push.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
