England's Under-21 squad is on the brink of making history, poised to clinch back-to-back European Championship titles after a thrilling 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands at the National Football Stadium in Bratislava. Harvey Elliott emerged as the hero of the night, netting a brilliant double that propelled the Young Lions into their second consecutive final, setting up a tantalizing showdown with either France or Germany on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The match unfolded under sweltering conditions, with temperatures soaring to 33 degrees Celsius, testing the stamina and tactics of both sides. England, the defending champions who ended a 39-year wait for the trophy in 2023, showed resilience and tactical maturity under manager Lee Carsley’s guidance, who emphasized ball dominance to conserve energy and make the Dutch do the running in the blistering Slovakian heat.
From the outset, England looked to control proceedings. Omari Hutchinson was a constant menace on the left flank, repeatedly challenging the Dutch defense and creating early chances. Harvey Elliott, playing on the right, tested Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs twice in the opening 12 minutes, with Roefs pulling off impressive saves to keep the scoreline level. The Dutch, managed by former Barcelona right-back Michael Reiziger, weathered the early storm and gradually grew in confidence, especially after the introduction of Wouter Goes at halftime, which curtailed Hutchinson’s influence.
Despite the heat and a cagey first half that ended goalless, England’s persistence paid dividends in the 62nd minute. Midfielder Elliot Anderson drove forward with purpose and delivered a clever outside-of-the-boot pass to Elliott, who was positioned on the right edge of the box. With his right foot, Elliott unleashed a thunderous shot into the roof of the net, sending the Liverpool star’s family and teammates into joyous celebration. This goal marked Elliott’s third of the tournament and his 13th at Under-21 level, underscoring his reputation as a rising star.
However, England’s lead was short-lived. Ten minutes later, a moment of misjudgment from defender Charlie Cresswell, coupled with goalkeeper James Beadle’s advanced positioning, allowed Dutch substitute Noah Ohio to seize possession 40 yards out. Ohio, a player who has developed through both Manchester City and Manchester United academies and is a close friend of England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, struck a sensational curling low effort that sneaked inside the near post, leveling the score with his very first touch. The goal was a stunning display of opportunism and skill, drawing comparisons to some of the most memorable long-range strikes in recent memory.
The Dutch looked buoyed by the equalizer, pushing forward in search of a winner, but England’s composure and tactical discipline shone through. Elliott, who had been moved into a more central No. 10 role, continued to influence the game profoundly. In the 86th minute, he cut inside from the right, gliding past two defenders before drilling a precise shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. This exquisite solo effort not only restored England’s lead but also highlighted Elliott’s exceptional talent and composure under pressure.
Following his second goal, Elliott was substituted to a standing ovation, with his teammates standing firm to see out the remaining minutes. The final whistle confirmed England’s 2-1 victory and their place in the final, where they will face either France or Germany, a matchup that promises to be a fiercely contested battle between European heavyweights.
Lee Carsley praised his team’s performance post-match, stating, "The team were outstanding. The way we started the game was really exciting and we were a little disappointed not to score in the first half. In the second half, we played with real resilience, had to defend the box, and James [Beadle] made some good saves. Harvey and Charlie [Cresswell] have taken responsibility in this tournament after not playing much in 2023. It’s just a shame we have only got one game left because I think this team is outstanding." Carsley also highlighted the importance of squad depth, noting the significant impact of substitutes during the match.
Goalkeeper James Beadle, standing at an imposing 6ft7in, acknowledged the tough moments, especially being caught out for the Dutch equalizer, but remained confident about England’s prospects. "We believe we can beat anyone. Harvey Elliott has done it before and he’s showing us young lads the way," Beadle said. His crucial saves, including a David de Gea-esque stop from Ian Maatsen’s long-range strike, were vital in maintaining England’s advantage.
Harvey Elliott, named Player of the Match, reflected on the game and his celebration injury with candor: "It was a really tough game but to win is incredible. Another final, I know I keep saying it but we need to rest, recover and go again because it’s not over yet. Tonight was another amazing experience in tough conditions. I don’t know what I’ve done to my knee [from the knee slide celebration] but it’s bloody hurting. Silly decision from me, live in the moment, you do these things. The pitch was ridiculously dry, but that’s the price I’ve got to pay." Elliott’s maturity and leadership were evident throughout the tournament, underscoring his potential to become a mainstay in top-flight football.
The match also featured tactical battles and moments of intensity, including Ashley Cole’s passionate encouragement from the sidelines, urging the players to maintain urgency during the scoreless first half. The atmosphere in the Stadion Tehelne Pole was notably subdued, with an eerie quietness that allowed spectators to hear players’ on-field communication, a rarity in international tournaments.
England’s strategy to dominate possession and conserve energy was effective, especially in the punishing heat, and their ability to withstand Dutch pressure was a testament to their physical and mental preparation. The Dutch, despite their spirited fightback and the brilliance of Ohio’s goal, were ultimately unable to breach England’s defense in the closing stages.
Looking ahead, England’s Under-21 team has the opportunity to etch their names in history by becoming the first side since Spain in 2011 and 2013 to win consecutive European Under-21 Championships. This squad has already matched the number of semi-final appearances held by Italy and Spain, standing at eleven, a testament to the country’s growing strength at youth level.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands, who have now lost their last three semi-finals, will reflect on a campaign that showed promise but fell just short of the final hurdle. Manager Michael Reiziger acknowledged the challenges faced: "We lost it because we found it quite hard to put pressure on their midfield. They were playing among each other and it was hard to get into duels. It was a bit better in the second half, and we were better when we had more possession, but it wasn’t enough." Striker Noah Ohio expressed disappointment but remained proud of the team’s journey.
As the countdown begins to the final on Saturday, all eyes will be on England’s Under-21s, who carry the hopes of a nation eager to see their young talents replicate and perhaps surpass the feats of previous generations. With Harvey Elliott leading the charge and a squad brimming with talent and resilience, the Young Lions look ready to roar once more on the European stage.
