Bratislava, Slovakia: England Under-21s have retained their UEFA European Under-21 Championship title after a dramatic 3–2 victory over Germany in an intense final played Saturday evening in Bratislava.
The Young Lions, coached by Lee Carsley, made a blistering start to the contest when Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott netted inside five minutes to put England ahead. Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson extended the lead in the 24th minute with a clinical finish that showcased the squad’s attacking flair.
Germany responded with determination. Nelson Weiper pulled a goal back just before halftime, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make it 2–1.
After the break, Germany continued to press and equalised through Paul Nebel in the 61st minute, forcing the final into extra time as England’s early dominance began to fade.
But England regrouped and found the decisive breakthrough in the 92nd minute. Olympique De Marseille’s Jonathan Rowe rose to meet a corner and headed past the German goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling England fans.
Despite Germany’s late pressure, England’s defence held firm to secure their third UEFA Under-21 title, and the first back-to-back championships by any nation since Spain’s triumphs in 2011 and 2013.
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