June 23 – England, Netherlands, France and Germany have advanced to the semi-finals of the U21 Euros in Slovakia, as 16 teams are narrowed down to the final four.
Holders England defeated Spain in a rematch of the 2023 final on Saturday, where an early quick-fire double from Man City’s James McAtee and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot was too much for the young Spaniards to overcome.
Across the country, ten-man Netherlands edged past Portugal 1-0 to book a ticket against England in the semi-final on Wednesday. A late winner from substitute Ernest Poku was enough to bury Portugal, who had a hard time breaking down the Dutch defence even after they were reduced to ten men after just 21 minutes.
In the other half of the bracket, Germany beat 9-man Italy in a close 3-2 affair which was decided in extra time. Leeds United striker Willy Gnonto saw red in the 80th minute, quickly followed by teammate Mattia Zanotti before extra time began.
German substitute Merlin Rohl delivered the 117th-minute dagger to end Italy’s tournament.
The Germans will meet France in the semis, having had a remarkable comeback against Denmark to win 3-2 in another close affair. A late double from French duo Quentin Merlin and Mathys Tel turned the game on its head and gave Denmark too much to do with no time left.
Wednesday’s matchup provides a clash of the titans style fixture: Germany have won all of their last six matches, with France unbeaten in their last eight too.
In fact, Germany haven’t lost a match since July 2023, where they were defeated by England in the U21 Euro groups.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1750701964labto1750701964ofdlr1750701964owedi1750701964sni@g1750701964niwe.1750701964yrrah1750701964