England celebrate Harvey Elliott's pivotal strike in the 15th minute
Defending champions England progressed to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship thanks to a 3-1 win over Spain, ending La Rojita’s 13-game unbeaten run in competitive international games (W11, D2) that dated back to their 2023 final defeat to the Young Lions.
A bright start from Spain saw Diego Lopez head over in the early exchanges, shortly before curling an effort that struck the arm of Charlie Cresswell, resulting in a penalty award.
However, VAR soon helped overturn the original decision, and England wasted no time in taking full advantage with two quickfire goals. First, an Alex Scott corner wasn’t adequately dealt with, allowing captain James McAtee to react first and prod home the opener.
Just five minutes later, Jarell Quansah’s driving run from midfield went unchallenged, encouraging the centre-back to try his luck and force a save from Alejandro Iturbe that was spilt into the path of a grateful Harvey Elliot for a tap-in.
Iturbe had to be on high alert soon after to cut out Tino Livramento’s cutback, a critical interception that helped ease a period of English dominance. Having re-established a foothold in the contest, Spain were handed a lifeline when Quansah tripped Alberto Moleiro in the box, providing Javi Guerra with the opportunity to halve the deficit with a composed spot-kick.
The interval appeared to arrive at a good time for England, who composed themselves ahead of the second half, looking assured once more as Jay Stansfield saw his deflected shot balloon over after a neat backheel from Omari Hutchinson.
Spain - England match stats
Cresswell then came close to re-establishing his side’s two-goal lead when his header from a corner dropped into the side netting, but Spain remained in the contest and almost equalised via Guerra, who saw two quickfire shots parried away by James Beadle.
With time running out, the Young Lions had a chance to all but secure progression, but Jack Hinshelwood couldn’t direct his unmarked header under the crossbar.
Fortunately for him, that miss ultimately had no bearing on the final outcome, with Jonathan Rowe winning a late penalty that was converted by Elliot Anderson to seal the game.
Now unbeaten in their last eight H2Hs (W5, D3), England have qualified for back-to-back Euro U21 semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Lee Carsley’s side will face the Netherlands, who shocked Portugal earlier in the day, while Spain’s dreams of a record sixth competition win are now over.
[(SpVgg Greuther Furth) Strength]: 1. SpVgg Greuther Furth finished 13th in the 2. Bundesliga last season and avoided relegation. They will play at home in this match, giving them a clear home advantage. The team need to display good form and motivation in front of their home fans to earn their support and trust, showing a strong desire to win.2. In the summer window, SpVgg Greuther Furth signed f...
[(Inter Miami CF) Strength]: 1. Although Messi, the star player of Inter Miami CF, failed to score in the last game, he provided two brilliant assists, directly helping the team score both goals and proving his enduring attacking influence.2. Inter Miami CF achieved a good start after beating Atlas 2-1 in their first home game of the Leagues Cup. They have also remained unbeaten in their last thre...
[(Real Salt Lake) Strength]: 1. Diego Luna, the top scorer of Real Salt Lake, scored a goal in the last game, helping the team take the lead for a while and ending a two-month goal drought for the club. His form has improved.2. In the first Leagues Cup game, Real Salt Lake drew 2-2 with Club America in regular time and won 3-1 on penalties, earning two points.3. Real Salt Lake are strong in defens...
[(Portland Timbers) Strength]: 1. Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis performed well in the last game, saving all 6 shots on target to preserve a clean sheet.2. Portland Timbers won their first League Cup game 4-0 at home against Atletico San Luis, achieving a good start. Meanwhile, they won 2 official games in a row, with good form.3. Portland Timbers have performed decently in offense. Th...
[(PSV Eindhoven) Strength]: 1. PSV Eindhoven narrowly won the Eredivisie last season. They were only one point ahead of 2nd-placed AFC Ajax. However, the team still achieved an outstanding performance of winning the Eredivisie title for two consecutive seasons.2. PSV Eindhoven have won all of their previous 4 friendly games, demonstrating an extremely outstanding performance.3. PSV Eindhoven's las...
[(Pumas UNAM) Strength]: 1. Pumas UNAM beat Orlando City through a penalty shootout in the first round, taking 2 points. They are now 8th in the table and are motivated to win this game for an advancing spot.2. Adalberto Carrasquilla scored an equalizer in the last game, helping the team draw in regular time.3. Pumas UNAM trailed 1-0 after the opening in the first round but tied the game in the 80...
[(Djurgardens IF) Strength]: 1. August Priske scored 7 goals in the league this season, showing impressive performances.2. Djurgardens IF won 6-1 over BK Hacken in the last away game, performing excellently.3. Djurgardens IF won the last 2 home games smoothly, revealing decent home form.4. Djurgardens IF scored 13 goals in the last 5 games, averaging nearly 3 goals per game and showing hot offense...
[(Club America) Strength]: 1. Club America lost to Real Salt Lake through a penalty shootout in the last game, securing only one point. If the team want to advance, they have to go all out in this game, indicating strong motivation.2. Erick Sanchez scored an equalizer before the end of the last game, helping the team draw with Real Salt Lake in regular time.[(Club America) Neutral]: 1. Club Americ...
[(Fluminense (RJ)) Strength]: 1. Fluminense (RJ) are 13th in the table and are suffering a 4-game losing streak in the league. They need to take points to end their decadence, indicating strong motivation in this game.2. Everaldo Stum scored a brace in the last Copa do Brasil game, helping the team beat SC Internacional.3. Fluminense (RJ) secured a 2-1 win over SC Internacional in the last Copa do...
[(Orlando City) Strength]: 1. Martin Ojeda scored 3 goals and made an assist in the last 3 games, showing outstanding form.2. Orlando City boasted stable offense lately, scoring in 17 consecutive games in regular time.[(Orlando City) Neutral]: 1. Both sides have never met before, and this game would be their first encounter.[(Orlando City) Weakness]: 1. Orlando City lost 4-3 through a penalty shoo...
- 1 Phil Parkinson breaks silence on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's shock bid to bring ex-Man Utd star Christian Eriksen to Wrexham
- 2 Arsenal legend backs Premier League rivals to become next invincibles and take prestigious title from Gunners
- 3 Go Ahead Eagles star duo linked to Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers
- 4 Daily Laugh - Raya nair
- 5 Real Madrid Willing to Sell Rodrygo — But Only If Two Key Conditions Are Met
- 6 Man City boss Guardiola delivers definitive answer to Barcelona return question
- 7 Borussia Dortmund chief Kehl confirms hopes of re-signing Sancho from Man Utd
- 8 Daily Laugh - Sesko & Man Utd in a nutshell
- 9 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 10 Liverpool ready "to go big" for wantaway Newcastle striker Isak