Harvey Elliott stuns, Charlie Cresswell rubbish – England U21s ratings v Netherlands
England Under-21s secured their place in the final with a Harvey Elliott-inspired 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Slovakia.
Lee Carsley’s side overcame Spain in an ill-tempered encounter to secure their place in the semi finals, as they fought to retain the title they won two years ago.
The Three Lions dominated the first half, but were unable to find a breakthrough as both sides went in goalless at half time.
Just after the hour mark though, England would go in front as Elliott produced an excellent finish from a tight angle after being played through by Elliot Anderson.
| England Under-21s games at Euro 2025 | Result |
| Czechia | Won 3-1 |
| Slovenia | Drew 0-0 |
| Germany | Lost 2-1 |
| Spain | Won 3-1 |
| Netherlands | Won 2-1 |
However, the Dutch pulled level around ten minutes later, as substitute Noah Ohio caught James Beadle off his line with an audacious finish, after a loose touch from Charlie Cresswell gifted him possession.
With five minutes of normal time to go, Elliott put his side in front for a second time with an incredible solo goal, carrying the ball into space on the edge of the area before blasting into the bottom corner.
That was enough to secure the win for Carsley‘s side, ensuring they will now face either France or Germany in the final on Saturday (28 June).
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the England U21s squad in that clash with the Netherlands.
England Under-21s defence endures mixed afternoon
James Beadle – 8
Beadle is due to join Birmingham on loan from Brighton, and they will be delighted by this performance which saw him make some excellent saves and command his area brilliantly.
Tino Livramento – 6
Got forward well on a number of occasions but was made to work defensive by Poku on the left flank for the Dutch.
Charlie Cresswell – 4
Not a convincing performance from the centre-back with some nervous touches, not least with one that allowed Ohio in for the equaliser that he will be thankful didn’t cost his side.
Jack Hinshelwood – 7
A really good performance from the Brighton youngster, who covered plenty of ground to help is side in all over the pitch.
Jarell Quansah – 6
Bayer Leverkusen look set to sign Quansah from Liverpool, and will be encouraged by what was a steady performance at the back here.
Ipswich star Hutchinson impressive
James McAtee (off for Rowe, ’78) – 5
As captain, the Man City ace wll have been frustrated not to have been able to make more of an impact on the game.
Omari Hutchinson (off for Norton-Cuffy, ’78) – 8
An impressive performance from the Ipswich man who caused a huge amount of trouble for the Dutch defence with his runs in behind.
Elliot Anderson – 7
Grew into the game to become key for England in the second half, impressive after his booking on the stroke of half time. Really good pass to set Elliott up for the opener as well.
Harvey Elliott the hero
Harvey Elliott (off for Gray, ’90+1) – 9 – Player of the Match
Liverpool winger Elliott was at the centre of the brawl at full time against Spain, but produced the perfect response here with two spectacular goals to back up an eye-catching performance and take his side to the final.
Jay Stansfield (off for Nwaneri, ’84) – 7
No goal for the centre-forward but once again he can be proud of the tireless work he did to keep his side on the front foot for long periods of the match.
Alex Scott (off for Hackney, ’84) – 7
Another solid performance from the Bournemouth midfielder in this tournament to help his side control the game.
Stansfield important in Liam Delap’s absence
Substitutes
Jonathan Rowe (on for McAtee, ’78) – 5
A quiet cameo affter coming on shortly after the equaliser.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy (on for Hutchinson, ’78) – 6
Made one really good run to help alleviate some pressure late on.
Hayden Hackney (on for Scott, ’84) – 6
Helped to keep things solid defensively after England went back in front.
Archie Gray (on for Elliott, ’90+1) – 5
Brought on to help see things out in stoppage time.