England U21s vs Germany dwell: Latest rating and updates from Euros ultimate as Young Lions lead at half-time
England’s Under 21s will bid to defend their European Championship crown as they face old rivals Germany in a fascinating final.
Lee Carsley’s holders came through a tricky semi-final against the Netherlands as Harvey Elliott of Liverpool (at least for now…) struck twice to book their place in this Bratislava decider. With such talent at his disposal, manager Carsley was able to use Premier League regulars Archie Gray and Ethan Nwaneri off the bench as his side took a step closer to back-to-back continental crowns.
Germany, however, have arguably been the best side in the competition so far and were convincing 3-0 winners in their last-four encounter with France. Three times the winners of this competition previously, giant forward Nick Woltemade has been a standout performer with his blend of size and skill, while there is plenty of experience in midfield. Having already beaten England once in the group stage, the Germans will be full of confidence.
Follow all of the latest from the Euros final with our live blog below:
HALF-TIME: England 2-1 Germany
45+3 mins: Suddenly this game has a very different feel. Germany look much more positive.
England still lead at the break, but we’re set for a tense second half. Massive team talk incoming from both managers…
GOAL! England 2-1 Germany
45 mins: Reitz takes a free-kick but Cresswell heads it back to his keeper.
THREE minutes added on to this half. Germany have a corner… Cresswell beats Woltemade in the air, but it’s recycled, Nebel floats in a brilliant cross, and Weiper heads a bullet past Beadle!
England 2-0 Germany
44 mins: That’s Scott’s last act of the tournament. He’s helped up by teammates and Elliott gives him some encouragement as he comes off. He in tears as he’s replaced by Morton.
England 2-0 Germany
43 mins: Woltemade heads away an England corner… Hinshelwood recycles it but Germany clear! Dicey moments for Antonio Di Salvo’s men.
No doubt Carsley wants another goal to feel a real cushion. He’s furiously scribbling notes onto his tablet.
Scott picks up a yellow for a bad tackle on Woltemade.
SAVE! England 2-0 Germany
40 mins: Oof, Beadle comes way off his line to clear, it’s a sticky moment as Woltemade bears down on him – but England counter, Hutchinson cuts it back for McAtee and the Young Lions captain is denied by Atubolu! A great save.
Scott has gone down again and is surrounded by concerned teammates. Morton is getting ready to come on… but Scott insists he’s fine to continue.
England 2-0 Germany
37 mins: Martel gets the game’s first yellow for a late challenge on Scott, another bad one. Break in play as he gets some treatment.
Just before that Woltemade appealed for a penalty as he went down in the box under pressure from McAtee… no luck.
England 2-0 Germany
CHANCE! England 2-0 Germany
34 mins: Hutchinson wants another as England press again but drags it just wide, via a deflection off Collins’ foot.
Danger now as Weiper leaps to a Brown cross but his header lands on the roof of the net.
England get back on top with a fine counterattack but Stansfield overthinks his shot… it was offside in the buildup anyway.
