England Under-21s crash out of Euro 2017 to Germany on penalties
Aidy Boothroyd’s men are knocked out at the semi-final stage of the European Championship after the game finished 2-2 at the end of extra time.
England Under-21s suffered more penalty semi-final heartbreak against Germany after Nathan Redmond’s miss sent them out of Euro 2017.
Julian Pollersbeck saved the Southampton winger’s spot kick as Germany won 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time.
Demarai Gray had cancelled out David Selke’s opener before Tammy Abraham put England ahead for the first time just after the break in Tychy. Felix Platte’s fine header sent the game into extra time with England hanging on before penalties.
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Moment of the match
Nathan Redmond’s England Under-21 career ended with a semi-final penalty shoot-out miss.
Julian Pollersbeck dived to his right to stop the Southampton man’s spot kick and send England out 4-3 on penalties.
It was cruel on England who had battled hard even if Germany were the better side over all – bar a lightning first 20 minutes from the Young Lions.
England were left to rue their misses as Germany boss Stefan Kuntz broke their hearts again having been part of the senior side which beat the Three Lions on penalties at Euro 96.
What now?
Redmond, captain James Ward-Prowse, Alfie Mawson and Jordan Pickford all age out now with new faces needing to step into their shoes.
It will be difficult to get over the penalty defeat immediately but England are stronger than they were in 2015, when they exited at the group stages, and will recover.
Star man – Will Hughes
Watford look to have bagged a bargain after paying Derby £8million for the midfielder, who completed a switch at the weekend.
Hughes may not have started the tournament but cemented himself in the side against Germany after a fine showing against Poland last week.
On Tuesday he was at the centre of England’s good work and skilfully set up Tammy Abraham’s goal which, briefly, looked to have put England in the final.
He did not shirk his defensive responsibilities, providing an extra screen for the back four when Germany threatened to win in normal time.
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