Harvey Elliott’s stunning double helped England secure a spot in their consecutive U21 Euros final, overcoming the Netherlands with a 2-1 victory amid the heat of Bratislava.
This match showcased another strong performance from the Young Lions, who previously triumphed over tournament favorites Spain with a 3-1 win in the quarter-finals.
England will defend their title, which they claimed in 2023, against Germany on Saturday at 8pm, following Germany’s 3-0 win over France in the semi-finals.
While Liverpool’s Elliott scored twice, he had opportunities to find the net twice early on, both times saved by Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Lee Carsley’s team would have been frustrated not to lead at halftime after dominating the first half, but they broke through shortly after the hour mark.
The breakthrough came from Elliott, who received a pass from Elliot Anderson while unmarked on the right. He advanced along the edge of the area before firing a powerful shot into the net.
However, the Netherlands equalized after a couple of England errors. A loose touch from Charlie Cresswell allowed Noah Ohio to seize the chance, rolling the ball past a stranded James Beadle after coming on as a substitute.
The two sides remained evenly matched in the second half until Elliott struck again, collecting the ball in midfield, evading his marker Thom van Bergen, and firing yet another impressive shot past Roefs, celebrating his goal enthusiastically.
Elliott: We Deserve to Be in the Final
Harvey Elliott expressed his excitement in an interview with Channel 4, saying, “It was amazing. Really tough game but to win is incredible.” He acknowledged the need for recovery before the final, emphasizing their deserved place in the competition.
Carsley: A Shame There’s Only One Game Left
Head coach Lee Carsley praised his team’s performance, noting their exciting start and resilience in the second half. He remarked on the importance of the entire squad and looked forward to the final, highlighting the contributions of players like Elliott.
Analysis: Elliott the Best Player on the Pitch
According to Sky Sports’ Adam Bate, Carsley is one game away from securing back-to-back titles for England at the U21 level. Despite the challenges faced in Slovakia, Elliott’s standout performance, scoring both goals, solidified his status as the best player on the pitch.
