England have beaten Germany 2-0 in their final group-stage match at the European Under-21 Championship, eliminating the tournament's defending champions. Cameron Archer got England on the scoreboard in the fourth minute before Harvey Elliott doubled their lead midway through the first half.
Michael Dominski
June 28, 2023 at 2:57 PM EDT
Summary
England have beaten Germany 2-0 in their final group-stage match at the European Under-21 Championship, eliminating the tournament's defending champions.
Cameron Archer got England on the scoreboard in the fourth minute before Harvey Elliott doubled their lead midway through the first half.
England advance to face Portugal in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Carsley: 'Really happy with the result but more importantly the performance'
England manager Lee Carsley spoke about his side's performance after the match: "We thought it was a really difficult game. We knew preparing for the game that it was going to be a tough one. We were lucky enough to play Germany in one of the international windows in a friendly. We knew the quality that they had.
"Tactically they're very difficult to break down and you've seen that in the game today. We were fortunate to take our chances. Germany had some really good chances but didn't take them. We're really happy with the result but more importantly the performance.
"We talk about the whole team defending, as opposed to just the defence. I thought Levi (Colwill) and Taylor (Harwood-Bellis) as well as Jarrad (Branthwaite) and Charlie (Cresswell) have done outstandingly at centre-back, and obviously James (Trafford) in goal.
"As a whole, we've defended really well from full-back areas, with midfielders and forwards. It was really pleasing to see, right at the end of the game, players making blocks on the edge of the box and blocking crosses. It's good to see."
(All photos by Getty Images)
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Elliott on his goal
Harvey Elliott spoke about his goal after the match: "It opened up nicely for me. I wanted to stay cool, calm and collected and make sure I finished it off. Luckily, it went into the back of the net."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Ramsey looks forward to Portugal match
Jacob Ramsey has his sights set on Sunday's quarter-final: "Obviously it was a good feeling captaining the side but most important was getting the three points. Everyone is looking forward to the game on Sunday against Portugal.
"It's going to be a really technical, tactical game. Two top nations with a load of individual players. Looking forward to it."
(All photos by Getty Images)
England sweep the group
This was the 11th time England contested the group stage at the European Under-21 Championship since group play was introduced in 2000. It's the first time they have won all three of their matches.
The only other times England have won at least three matches at a single edition of this tournament (including the knockout stages) are the two times they have lifted the trophy, in 1982 and 1984.
Match stats
England 2-0 Germany
- Shots: 18 - 16
- Shots on goal: 7 - 6
- Saves: 6 - 5
- Possession: 57% - 43%
- Passing accuracy: 90% - 87%
- Corners: 4 - 1
- Fouls: 5 - 6
England leading the way
England kept a clean sheet in all three of their group-stage matches, winning each by a 2-0 scoreline.
Of 16 teams in this tournament, they are the only one yet to concede a goal.
Their six goals for are also tied for the tournament lead with Spain.
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Germany crash out
Germany had reached the final in each of the past three editions of this tournament, but they have crashed out of this one in last place of Group C.
Their campaign got off to a inauspicious start as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Israel despite playing the entire second half up a man. They also missed two penalties in that match.
Things went from bad to worse in their second match, as they conceded an 87th-minute goal to fall to a 2-1 defeat against the Czech Republic.
Facing a mountain to climb today in order to advance, Germany showed very little urgency in a lacklustre performance.
(All photos by Getty Images)
England avoid suspensions
England had six players in their squad at risk of suspension if they picked up a booking today, a concern that manager Lee Carsley spoke about yesterday.
Two of those players started this match and another two came on as subs, but all avoided picking up a yellow card.
England should have their full complement of players to choose from for Sunday's quarter-final.
Madueke stands out
Noni Madueke has been named Player of the Match by UEFA. The Chelsea player impressed in all three of England's matches despite having yet to score.
"He created a number of chances and was excellent in one-on-one situations," UEFA's Technical Observer committee said. "He also made very good runs in behind the German defensive line."
(All photos by Getty Images)
Tournament bracket
Group D will be decided later today, with both quarter-final spots still up for grabs.
Group C update
Israel have beaten the Czech Republic 1-0 thanks to Omri Gandelman's winning goal in the 82nd minute. That result sends Israel through to the quarter-finals in place of the Czech Republic, who are eliminated.
Israel will take on hosts Georgia on Saturday, while England will face defending runners-up Portugal on Sunday.
Group C - final standings
(All photos by Getty Images)
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FT: England 2-0 Germany
England have swept Group C, winning all three of their matches by a 2-0 scoreline.
Germany crash out of the tournament, the defending champions finishing in last place in the group.
Stoppage time
90+2' England 2-0 Germany
We're into three minutes of stoppage time.
Good save by Trafford
90' England 2-0 Germany
Germany create their best chance of the half as Ngankam sets up Becker in the middle of the box. His shot is deflected but is still heading for goal until Trafford manages to paw it away to safety, preserving his clean sheet.
Group C update
85' England 2-0 Germany
Israel have taken a late lead against the Czech Republic! That means, as things stand, Israel will be advancing to the quarter-finals in place of the Czechs.
For their part, Germany need Israel to beat the Czech Republic, but it's irrelevant unless they can score three late goals here to beat England.
Stiller misses the target
82' England 2-0 Germany
Germany have a rare chance to threaten England's goal, with a free kick in a dangerous position, but Stiller sends his effort over the crossbar at the near post.
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Final change for Germany
81' England 2-0 Germany
Keitel is replaced by Becker.
Germany are now out of subs.
Germany running out of time
80' England 2-0 Germany
Germany have reached the final in each of the past three editions of this tournament, but they look set to depart this one with just a single point in the group stage.
Hard to remember a single chance they've created this half.
Chance for Garner
77' England 2-0 Germany
England spring a quick counter-attack through Gordon. The ball comes to Smith Rowe who lays it off for Garner, but he fails to direct his shot on target.
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