Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento is once again at the heart of England’s under-21s European Championship campaign as they prepare to face the Netherlands in a high-stakes semi-final clash on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The match, set for a 5pm BST kick-off at the National Football Stadium in Bratislava, Slovakia, promises to be a thrilling encounter as Lee Carsley’s side aims to defend their title won just two years ago in 2023.
Livramento, valued at an impressive £70 million, has quickly become a key figure for England U21s, showcasing his talents throughout the tournament. Despite having earned a senior cap last year against the Republic of Ireland, the Newcastle star has been encouraged by senior England manager Thomas Tuchel to continue his development at the youth level, a strategy that seems to be paying dividends as England progress deep into the competition.
In their quarter-final match against Spain on June 21, 2025, England delivered a commanding 3-1 victory, with Livramento playing the full 90 minutes. The game wasn’t without its moments of tension, however, as Livramento was involved in a flashpoint incident following a studs-up tackle from Spain’s Marc Pubill. Fortunately, the Newcastle defender escaped injury, and the challenge sparked a post-match brawl between the two sides. Nonetheless, Livramento’s resilience and composure remained evident as he helped steer England to the semi-finals.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, Lee Carsley has named a settled starting lineup, with only one enforced change due to suspension. Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton, who started in the win over Spain, is sidelined after picking up a yellow card that triggered a one-match ban. Elliot Anderson steps in to fill Morton’s spot, joining Livramento, James Beadle, Charlie Cresswell, Jarell Quansah, Jack Hinshelwood, Alex Scott, Harvey Elliott, James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, and Jay Stansfield in the starting eleven.
Carsley has openly discussed his coaching philosophy ahead of the semi-final, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the players’ natural abilities rather than forcing them into unfamiliar roles. “The skill of a coach is making sure you get the best out of the players that you’ve got in front of you, not trying to make them something that they’re not,” Carsley said. “I think we’ve done quite well in that. We’ve tried to put them in positions where they can be really effective, whether that be with or without the ball.”
He added, “Ideally, and I’ve spoken to the players about it, you want to coach a team where you’re watching the team play and you’re enjoying watching them. And that Spain game and the second half of the Germany game, you’re on the side, enjoying watching the players play and expressing themselves.” Carsley’s approach has helped shift perceptions of English players, aiming to showcase their technical skills on the European stage.
For Livramento, the U21 Euros represent a critical platform to cement his reputation and push for a consistent role in the senior England squad. Despite speculation linking him with a high-profile transfer to Manchester City, Livramento has remained focused on the present. “The manager (Eddie Howe… I'm in constant contact with him. He has just said to keep focusing on what you're doing now and you're doing so well,” Livramento explained. “So I think having that relationship with someone that is obviously such a big figure in what I've done so far is an amazing thing for me. I'm very much focused on what I'm doing here now. I don't know anything about that (City interest). Being away with the under-21s is my main priority. I like to stay in the moment and just focus on what I can do to help the team now.”
Newcastle fans have been watching Livramento’s progress with great interest, especially considering his comeback from a year-long ACL recovery and his significant contributions to the Magpies’ recent successes, including a Carabao Cup victory and securing Champions League qualification. His performances at the U21 Euros, where he has played both left and right back, have only enhanced his reputation as one of England’s brightest defensive prospects.
The semi-final against the Netherlands is set to be a testing encounter. The Dutch side, known for their technical prowess and tactical discipline, will pose a serious challenge. England’s previous victory over Spain demonstrated their ability to handle pressure and execute their game plan effectively, with Elliot Anderson scoring a late penalty to seal that win.
On the day of the semi-final, England delivered a compelling performance to edge out the Netherlands 2-1, booking their place in the final. Harvey Elliott was the star of the match, scoring both goals for England—the first a rare right-footed strike in the 62nd minute, and the second a superb left-footed finish five minutes from full time. The Netherlands had leveled the game ten minutes after England’s opener, capitalizing on a defensive error from Charlie Cresswell.
England’s dominance was clear statistically as well, with 12 shots compared to the Dutch’s 6, four attempts on target versus three, and 29 touches inside the opposition box compared to 20. Livramento, playing on his favored right side, was a solid presence throughout the match, contributing both defensively and in building attacks.
The victory sets up an eagerly awaited final on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with an 8pm BST kick-off at Tehelne Pole in Bratislava. England will face either Germany or France, who meet later on Wednesday evening. The final will be broadcast live on Channel 4, providing fans with an opportunity to witness what could be a historic moment for England’s young talents.
Lee Carsley’s 2023 squad, which included standout player Anthony Gordon, set a high benchmark by winning the U21 European Championship. Gordon’s tournament heroics propelled him to a remarkable 2023/24 season at Newcastle, where he netted 12 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions. Livramento and his teammates are now aiming to replicate that success and use this tournament as a launchpad for senior international careers.
BBC Sport recently highlighted the significance of winning the U21 Euros as a predictor of future senior success. Out of the 24 teams that have lifted the trophy, 10 have gone on to win either the World Cup or the senior European Championship within 12 years. England’s current crop has the potential to continue this trend, further raising the stakes for Saturday’s final.
As the countdown to the final continues, all eyes will remain on Livramento and his England colleagues to see if they can bring home back-to-back U21 European titles. For Newcastle supporters and England fans alike, the tournament has not only been a showcase of emerging talent but also a thrilling journey filled with promise and excitement.
