England's Under-21s have secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over Spain in the European Under-21 Championship quarter-finals, booking their spot in the semi-final against the Netherlands. The match, held in Slovakia, saw a dominant performance from the Young Lions, who are looking to defend their title.
Key Moments of the Match
The game began with a VAR controversy as a penalty initially awarded to Spain for a handball by Charlie Cresswell was overturned after review. England then capitalized on this reprieve, with captain James McAtee opening the scoring in the 10th minute from an Alex Scott corner. Harvey Elliott extended the lead just five minutes later, tapping in the rebound after a save from the Spanish goalkeeper, Alejandro Iturbe.
Spain managed to pull one back with a penalty in the 39th minute, converted by Javi Guerra. However, England sealed the victory with a late penalty of their own, scored by substitute Elliot Anderson in stoppage time.
Outstanding Performances
- James McAtee: The Man City player opened the scoring and led the team with his dynamic play.
- Harvey Elliott: The Liverpool midfielder added to his tournament tally with a crucial goal.
- Elliot Anderson: His late penalty secured the win and sent England to the semi-finals.
England will now face the Netherlands in the semi-final, a highly anticipated match that promises to be a tough test for the defending champions. Football fans across South Africa are eagerly awaiting the next stage of the tournament, watching to see if England can maintain their momentum and secure another victory.
Download the Sky Sports App for more updates and live action!