Alex Scott was on the scoresheet for the Young Lions but it was a disappointing night for Lee Carsley's side as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat
England were beaten by Germany in their final Under-21 European Championship group stage game, with Liverpool pair Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott enduring a night to forget. However, the Young Lions still progressed to the quarter-finals.
Lee Carsley's men made a poor start and were behind after just three minutes. Quansah was caught flat-footed as the ball was floated into the penalty area for the impressive Ansgar Knauff to sneak in and finish with a great touch and shot.
England went on to enjoy plenty of possession but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and went further behind just after the half-hour mark. A simple ball was crossed into the penalty area by Knauff for Nelson Weiper to leap between Jack Hinshelwood and Charlie Cresswell and direct a header home.
Carsley made his feelings clear at half-time as he sent on James McAtee, Jay Stansfield and Brooke Norton-Cuffy in a bid to get back into the game. Yet England continued to toil and struggled to trouble Tjark Ernst in the Germany net.
A goal finally arrived after a great run from Omari Hutchinson. The Ipswich star beat his man, got to the byline and sent in a low cross for Alex Scott to tap home from close range.
The goal gave the Young Lions hope and they finished the stronger of the two sides, with Cresswell going closest with a header that flew straight at Ernst. However, Germany hung on for the win that ensures they finish top of Group B, while England have to settle for second place but still progress to the quarter-finals.
GOAL rates England's players from Stadion pod Zoborom…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
James Beadle (6/10):
Had no chance with either of the goals but didn't have too much else to do.
Samuel Iling-Junior (4/10):
Made a great tackle to prevent an almost certain goal at 1-0 but still looked a weak link at the back. Hooked at half-time.
Charlie Cresswell (5/10):
At fault for the second goal and could not prevent Weiper from making it 2-0. Great effort late on almost brought an equaliser.
Jarell Quansah (5/10):
Caught out completely for the opener and was nowhere neat Knauff who slotted home.
Jack Hinshelwood (4/10):
Had a tough night at full-back. Like Cresswell, he won't want to see the second goal again. Needed to do much better against Weiper.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Elliot Anderson (5/10):
Not as effective as he has been for England and was guilty of making some poor decisions.
Alex Scott (6/10):
Tried to get England up the pitch and was in the right place to tap home Hutchinson's cross to make it 2-1.
Omari Hutchinson (7/10):
Some good moments and did brilliantly to tee up Scott for England's goal.
Getty Images SportAttack
Jonathan Rowe (4/10):
Flashed one chance wide in a quiet first half and was taken off at the break.
Harvey Elliott (4/10):
England needed their captain to step up but he offered very little and it was no surprise to see him hooked at the break.
Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):
Looked bright and was a willing runner but was marshalled well and in numbers by Germany.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
James McAtee (6/10):
Helped England improve after coming on at half-time and taking over the armband.
Jay Stansfield (6/10):
Was missed in the first half. Intelligent run helped make space for England's goal.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy (7/10):
Looked a threat down the right after coming on with some strong runs. Saw a low shot saved.
Tyler Morton (6/10):
Thrown on late on and helped England finish on the front foot.
Tom Fellows (6/10):
Decent cameo off the bench.
Lee Carsley (5/10): Changed his full-backs for this game but saw Hinshelwood and Iling-Junior both struggle. Made changes at half-time but couldn't turn the result around. Cut a frustrated figure on the touchline.
