England’s Young Lions tore into Spain and booked their spot in the UEFA U21 EURO semi-finals with a roaring 3-1 win over Spain in Slovakia last night.
Captain James McAtee and Harvey Elliott struck early to stun the Spaniards, before Elliot Anderson sealed the deal with a cool-as-you-like penalty in added time.
It was a fierce showdown at the Štadión Antona Malatinského – and Lee Carsley’s cubs proved they’ve got teeth.
VAR VAR BOOM!
Spain thought they’d hit the jackpot just three minutes in when ref Simone Sozza pointed to the spot after a strike clipped Charlie Cresswell’s arm. But VAR had other ideas – and the Lions had a lucky escape. Moments later, it was game on.
A slick corner from Alex Scott caused chaos, Spanish skipper Turrientes got a touch, and McAtee was in the right place at the right time to smash it in.
Then it was Quansah’s turn to shine – charging through from his own half before unleashing a rocket. Keeper Iturbecould only parry, and Elliott pounced to double the lead.
GUERRA STRIKES BACK
Spain weren’t done yet. After a clumsy trip by Quansah, Javi Guerra made no mistake from the spot to claw one back just before the break.
But England held firm.
Jay Stansfield came inches away from restoring the two-goal cushion, and Beadle pulled off a superb double save to keep Guerra at bay.
ANDERSON ICES IT
With seconds left, Jonathan Rowe was taken out by the keeper, and up stepped Anderson to put it beyond doubt.
Game. Set. Semis.
NEXT STOP: NETHERLANDS
England now march on to face the Dutch in Bratislava on Wednesday – and with the fire they’ve shown, who’s betting against them?
ENGLAND U21s LINE-UP:
Beadle, Livramento, Quansah, Cresswell, McAtee (c), Hutchinson, Hinshelwood, Stansfield, Elliott, Scott, Morton
Subs used: Anderson, Rowe, Norton-Cuffy, Hackney, Nwaneri
Goals: McAtee (10’), Elliott (15’), Anderson (94’)
The Lions are roaring – and they’re not done yet.
