June 30 – Marseilles winger Jonathan Rowe came off the bench a minute into extra time to fire England to a second successive Uefa U21 Euro crown after a 3-2 victory over Germany in Bratislava – a result that could put a few players in the frame for 2026 World Cup selection.
England made a dream start to proceedings, as Harvey Elliot unlocked the sleepy German defence after just five minutes, converting neatly into the bottom right corner after pinball in the German box as they failed to clear the ball.
Omari Hutchinson doubled the Young Lions lead in the 26th minute after capitalising on more shaky defending from fullback Nnamdi Collins, picking up space on the left wing and slotting the ball tidily into the same bottom right corner.
The duo gave Lee Carsley’s side an early two-goal advantage, but Germany had drawn level by the time the 90 minutes were up.
German striker Nelson Weiper rose high to convert a powerful header as the first half drew to a close.
For the equaliser Paul Nebel, who had assisted Weiper’s earlier goal, picked up the ball on the edge of the box following a set piece and whipped it into the top right corner before the England defence could react.
It took just two minutes of extra time for England to regain their lead through Rowe, who dived to head in Tyler Morton’s looping cross.
Germany midfielder Merlin Rohl came inches away from taking the match to penalties, though his long range effort smacked against the bar in the 121st minute.
Harvey Elliot picked up the player of the tournament, opening an interesting discussion on his future at Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah and now Florian Wirtz ahead of him in the pecking order at the Premier League Champions.
It could create a similar situation to Cole Palmer, whose performances at the U21 Euros in 2022 earned him a ticket off Manchester City’s bench and into Chelsea’s first team in a £42.5 million deal – a move which has since paid off and then some.
German striker Nick Woltemade was kept relatively quiet throughout the final, despite being by far the most dangerous attacker throughout the tournament. Even after losing out at the final hurdle, the Stuttgart player will have plenty to smile about; he has agreed personal terms with German Champions Bayern Munich, with a move looking increasingly likely. If a deal can be agreed, the 23-year-old will link up with his new team after the Club World Cup.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751309982labto1751309982ofdlr1751309982owedi1751309982sni@g1751309982niwe.1751309982yrrah1751309982