England beat Germany in five-goal thriller to retain U21 Euro title

England beat Germany 3-2 in the European U21 Championship final on Saturday evening.

They made a flying start as Harvey Elliott scored inside five minutes. The Liverpool midfielder netted after an initial save from Germany keeper Noah Atubolu.

The defending champions nearly doubled the lead from a counter-attack. Elliott fed James McAtee, who played a pass across goal, but Jay Stansfield could not get on the end of it.

England scored their second goal after 24 minutes. McAtee passed to Omari Hutchinson, who put the ball between Atubolu’s legs and into the net.

The Ipswich Town forward almost scored again eight minutes later, bending the ball narrowly wide after a fantastic run.

McAtee nearly added to the Germans’ woes before half-time, but Atubolu prevented him from scoring.

England were forced into a change late in the first half when midfielder Alex Scott picked up an injury.

Nelson Weiper halved the deficit for Germany before half-time, rising highest to head Paul Nebel’s cross home.

England started the second half on the front foot and should have scored in the 53rd minute when McAtee brilliantly worked himself into a good position, only to send his effort wide.

The Young Lions were made to rue their missed chances as Germany equalised just after the hour mark, with Nebel powerfully curling the ball into the net.

The two teams struggled to create scoring opportunities after Germany’s equaliser, and the game went to extra time.

Head coach Lee Carsley made two changes at the start of extra time. Jonathan Rowe and Ethan Nwaneri replaced Elliott and McAtee.

Rowe restored England’s lead and winning goal in the 92nd minute, heading the ball home from fellow substitute Tyler Morton’s brilliant cross.

England have now successfully defended the title for the second time, having won it back-to-back in 1982 and 1984.