England have defended their U21 EURO title with an extra-time triumph over Germany.
Scorers: Elliott 5′, Hutchinson 24′, Rowe 92′; Weiper 45+1′, Nebel 61′
Harvey Elliott once again proved he is the man of the moment with a goal inside the opening five minutes in Bratislava.
Germany failed to clear their lines and the ball fell kindly to the Liverpool man in the box, who made no mistake from close range as he found the back of the net with his fifth goal of the tournament.
Lee Carsley’s side went from strength to strength as Omari Hutchinson drilled home England’s second 20 minutes later, having been set up by Manchester City’s James McAtee.
On the brink of half-time, however, Germany gave themselves a lifeline courtesy of a bullet header from Nelson Weiper.
Germany then completed a remarkable comeback just after the hour mark with an outstanding strike into the top right corner.
The remaining 30 minutes were end to end, with both sides desperately searching for a winner.
Germany were inches away from clinching a last-gasp winner in added time as Nebel’s effort took a deflection and rattled the crossbar before England were able to scramble it clear.
In fact, it was England who regained the lead early in extra time as a dangerous ball in from Tyler Morton was headed in by substitute Jonathan Rowe, who scored with his second touch.
Despite a nervy end to the game, England just about held on to make history and defend their European crown.
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