England Under-21s are just one game away from securing back-to-back European Championship titles after a hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands. The match, held in the searing Slovakian heat, saw Harvey Elliott emerge as the hero with two superb goals that booked England’s place in the final against Germany this Saturday in Bratislava.
The defending champions, who ended a 39-year wait for the trophy in 2023, are now on the brink of repeating the rare feat of consecutive wins, last achieved in 1982 and 1984. Lee Carsley’s side faced a stern test against a confident Dutch team, particularly in a cagey first half where both sides struggled to create clear chances.
Elliott was denied twice in the first half by Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs, but his persistence paid off after the break. In the 62nd minute, the Liverpool star opened the scoring with a powerful right-footed finish, assisted by Elliot Anderson’s well-weighted pass. It was Elliott’s third goal of the tournament and a timely breakthrough for the Young Lions.
The Netherlands responded quickly. Substitute Noah Ohio made an instant impact, pouncing on a defensive lapse by Charlie Cresswell to level with a stunning 30-yard curling strike. His goal gave the Dutch renewed belief, but it was Elliott who would once again turn the tide. With just five minutes remaining, Elliott picked up the ball on the edge of the box and drove a precise low shot into the bottom right corner, sealing the win for England.
Now just 90 minutes away from another historic triumph, England will meet rivals Germany in the final, looking to cement their dominance in European youth football with a second successive title
