Young England became European champion for the second time in a row and for the fourth time in total on Saturday. After the 2-1 victory over Young Orange in the semi-finals, coach Lee Carsley’s team defeated Young Germany 3-2 in the final in Bratislava after extra time.
The final was a repeat of the third group match, which Germany had won 2-1. Ten days later, England took a 2-0 lead within 25 minutes. Harvey Elliott, who scored both English goals against Orange, shot the ball into the corner for the opening goal. Omari Hutchinson doubled the lead shortly afterwards. He scored from a pass from captain James McAtee.
Nelson Weiper headed in the 2-1 for Young Germany just before half-time, restoring the tension. Paul Nebel then scored the 2-2 with a fine shot after an hour, and that was still the score after ninety minutes. Nebel, who plays for Mainz 05, did hit the crossbar just before time, and the English escaped.
At the beginning of extra time, substitute Jonathan Rowe headed in the 3-2 for England, after a cross from Tyler Morton of Liverpool. A tense last half hour followed and it almost became an equaliser in extra time.
The German goalkeeper Noah Atubolu had come forward, while the ball hit the crossbar. Young England narrowly held on and crowned themselves European champions, just like two years ago in Albania and Romania. Young England also won the title at the European Championship under 21 in 1982 and 1984.
Only Young Italy and Young Germany champions more often
With four titles, Young England is in third place. Only Young Italy (5) and Young Germany (5) have been European champions more often. Young Oranje has two European titles, in 2006 and 2007.