AFCON 2025
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England retained their European Under-21 Championship title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Germany in the final in Bratislava, Slovakia.
In front of senior team manager Thomas Tuchel, the defending champions squandered a 2-0 lead before substitute Jonathan Rowe, introduced at the start of extra time, secured the win.
First-half goals from Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson had given the 2023 champions a commanding lead, but Germany, who defeated England in the group stage, mounted a comeback.
Nelson Weiper pulled one back with a header just before half-time, and Paul Nebel’s deflected strike leveled the score after 61 minutes. Nebel nearly won it in the third of four added minutes of normal time, but his effort struck the crossbar. He hit the woodwork again in the final minute of extra time.
England capitalized on those escapes, and Lee Carsley’s bold decision to bring on Rowe proved inspired. The substitute’s decisive contribution sealed the victory.
This triumph marks a second European Under-21 title for head coach Carsley, who previously led England to glory against Spain two years ago.
