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By HARRY BAMFORTH and NATHAN SALT AT STADION TEHELNE POLE Updated: 06: 01 AEST, 29 June 2025 47 View comments Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates from the U21 Euros final between England and Germany at the Stadion Tehelne Pole. Jermain Defoe, former England striker, on Channel 4: I plugged this article before the game, and you bet ya that I am going to do it again. He's the star boy and has just scored in the final, so it's only right. The more Arne Slot watches Elliott in this tournament, he surely wants to keep the lad. I mean, he's brilliant. Read more: We simply have to talk about this lad, don't we? Harvey Elliott did it in the quarters, he did it in the semis, and today he has only gone and scored in the final. The man is a maverick at this level, just brilliant to watch, and comes up trumps for England every game. The Liverpool star got England off to the perfect start and has been ripping through Germany with each passing minute since. What a performance, so far. What a 45 minutes! England are in the box sheet and will be buzzing with that first-half display, but it could have been so much better. The Young Lions could easily be four or five to the good; they have been that dominant. However, Nelson Weiper's late header means that they have something to think about. This final is far from over. Right on cue! Germany do indeed get the goal they were craving, and it's game on here in Bratislava. Just like he did in the group stage, Nelson Weiper nets against the Young Lions, and jeez, it's one hell of a header. We have a final on our hands now. .. Can Germany shake things up a bit? They are desperate to try and get a goal before half-time, and they have just three minutes to do it. Now that is what you call a frustrated tackle. Alex Scott is clearly struggling and wipes out Nick Woltemade to pick up a yellow card. And then, just as I type that, he is substituted by Lee Carsley and is clearly devastated. You can see tears in his eyes as he is replaced by Tyler Morton. Alex Scott is being a bit too stubborn here. The lad is clearly struggling but is refusing to be substituted, which is a little silly in my book. I know it's a final and he wants to stay on, but it's not what is best for the team. Another massive chance for England. How this final is not done and dusted, I will never know. It's a huge save from Noah Atubolu to stop the Young Lions scoring a third. This time, it's Omari Hutchinson who finds James Mc Atee, who looks destined to score. But Atubolu gets low to deny him. About blooming time. Germany captain Eric Mortel has been snapping at the heels of England players all game, and he finally gets booked. If I were him, I'd be wary about getting sent off. My word, what a goal that would have been. The football that these Young Lions are playing is out of this world; it's honestly incredible. Tino Livramento starts a counter and then pings a stunning pass through to Omari Hutchinson. The winger then starts a series of one-touch passes before it falls for Jay Stanfield to hit, but his effort dribbles wide. The offside flag goes up eventually as Hutchinson was slightly off, but don't take anything away from that move. Filthy, filthy stuff from England. I can't quite believe what is unfolding in front of my eyes. England are ripping this Germany side to bits and pieces - it's very nearly three. Omari Hutchinson is at it again, bobbing and weaving like a boxer to make his way to the edge of the box. He then lets fly, but his striker flies just wide of the post. Close. Welcome to the final, Germany. They finally manage their first proper effort on goal, which is not offside, but it's still not great. Tim Oermann races to the near post and gets on the end of a corner, but his flick of a header plops wide of the post. Better, but not good enough. This. Is. Crazy. Nathan is right, I'm not sure many of us saw this coming. What has happened to Germany? They are a hot mess. England look like they could run riot here; they are getting in behind the German high line at will. This is quite something. ENGLAND ARE IN DREAMLAND! The Young Lions do now have their second goal, and by golly, it is deserved. James Mc Atee races away again, but the ball gets stuck under his feet as he enters the box - it looks like the chance is gone. But he somehow manages to flick the ball to Omari Hutchinson, who gets his head down and drills the ball under the goalkeeper. I, for one, did not foresee this. Incredible stuff. Jeeeeez. .. Nick Woltemade shows exactly why England should not be comfortable with just a one-goal lead. After a tough start, the striker gets on the end of a free-kick and you are just thinking 'goal'. But nope, he nods wide, and then the flag goes up. A warning shot, though. How is it not two? England are ripping Germany to shreds here, and I have no idea how they don't have more than one goal. Harvey Elliott is at the centre of the action again as he leads a ferocious breakaway before sliding James Mc Atee through. Mc Atee then slides the ball across to Jay Stansfield for an open goal. .. I even click the goal button. But no, Stansfield pulls out of going for it. .. what is he doing? ? Bizarre, totally bizarre. Oooft, that's a nasty one. Elliott Anderson is rolling about on the floor, which I normally criticise, but this time, this is real. Eric Martel has been steaming into challenges, so far, and he catches Anderson on the ankle with his studs up. Lucky to get away with just a warning. Ohhhh, I thought that was two! ! England are all over Germany here, and Charlie Cresswell comes so close to doubling their lead. The Young Lions recycle a free-kick, and James Mc Atee picks up the ball on the left-hand side of the box. He takes a touch and then flashes the ball dangerously across the six-yard box, with heaps of team-mates flying into meet it. Cresswell comes closest at the back post, but he just can't stretch enough to get to it. So, so close. Is this really England we are watching? They look so cool, so composed. This is not a side that is nervous to lose, they have started with confidence, maybe even arrogance, you could say. They are just knocking the ball about with authority and Alex Scott is the man making them tick. Germany can't get the ball. Arne Slot, are you watching? That was a top-class finish from Harvey Elliott. When the ball came his way you just knew he would score. That's three goals across the semi-final and final now, and I wouldn't bet against him bagging again. Cagey final? Nothing cagey about this start from England. WHO ELSE? ! What do I know, eh? England make me look naff just six minutes in, and it just had to be Harvey Elliott. The Liverpool man manages to get onto the ball after Omari Hutchinson sees an effort saved, and he drills the ball into the bottom corner. The winger is so pumped up, he races away to celebrate as passionately as he did in midweek. What a start for England! This is a final, so don't expect a crazy start. Yes, this England side love to get out of the blocks quickly, but I'm pretty sure the nerves mean that they won't. This will be a very cagey first few moments, but as time goes by, I'm hoping this game opens up. If it doesn't, we are in for a boring night. But it will, I'm sure. Right, the time for talking is over. Both sides huddle for the final time and then take to their positions before a countdown to kick-off begins. And off we go! Can England make history and win back-to-back Euros U21s titles? We will see. This may be an unconventional shout, but I think that the Germany national anthem is a right bop. We all talk about the Italian and French national anthems being class, even the Welsh one, but I think the German one is right up there. Traditional but tuneful. The 11 young Germans have just belted it out beautifully before it's time for God Save The King. I must say, I'm quite surprised that very few of the England players actually sing the anthem, most notably Harvey Elliott. Of course, Lee Carsley doesn't, but we know why by now so there is no reason to get riled up by that. Anyway, now all that's left is kick-off. .. Guys, drop everything that you are doing right now, it's nearly go-time over here in Slovakia. The teams have finished their warm-ups and are now about to walk out of the tunnel for a massive final. Just five more minutes. Who's that cheesin'? Well, that is my colleague Nathan Salt who is flying the Daily Mail flag over in Bratislava. And it looks like he is happy to be there. I mean, he is about to witness a belter of a match, so it's understandable. You've heard a lot from him already and will hear more throughout the night, I'm sure. Lee Carsley, England Under 21s head coach, on Channel 4: Dominic King, Mail Sport, speaking to the BBC: Oooooh, it's time to get excited. Both sets of players are out on the pitch going through their warm-up, not that they need it in this heat. Honestly, it's practically a sauna in Bratislava today; it's so hot. The players are lucky that the sun is starting to go down, so it's cooler than earlier, because in the afternoon it was nearly unbearable. Playing in hot conditions is not an English specialty, as we all know. Alex Scott, England U21 midfielder, speaking to BBC Sport last year: These two sides are used to this feeling fo being in a final. Well, not all the players that are in Bratislava today are, but the countries in general are used to it. This is England’s second successive appearance in the final. Germany have now reached the final in four of the last five editions (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2025). The Young Lions have been successful in three of their previous four appearances in the final, most recently in 2023 when they defeated Spain 1-0. The exception is their 0-4 defeat against Germany in 2009. But who will come out on top today? Lee Carsley, England Under 21s head coach, speaking on Friday: This is not the first time England and Germany have faced off in a major final at U21 level, that's for sure. In fact, it's not even the second. They have met twice in the final previously. In 1982, when the final was played over two legs, England defeated West Germany 5-4 on aggregate (3-1 h, 2-3 a). In 2009, Germany came out on top, with their 4-0 victory being the biggest win in a final in the history of the competition. So, it's only right that they have a third match to settle the score. The winner of tonight has the real bragging rights. Also, whoever wins will become a four-time winner of this tournament. The pressure really is on. I am well informed that England senior team assistant coach Anthony Barry is on the VIP list tonight. Now, I'm sure his presence is enough to make many of those Young Lions brick it - they will be eager to impress. With only a year until the World Cup, this is a great chance for many of the stars to show why they should be on that plane. It might seem like a while away, but it really isn't. Ahhhhh, here it is. I have been waiting for the main Germany football X account to post the team, and was wondering why it was taking so long. Well, it turns out it was posted by a different Germany acoount. Anyway, here it is, and of course, the big man Nick Woltemade is leading the line. No room for Ansgar Knauff, mind. .. A tradition as old as time. Anyone who follows international tournaments will know that players always walk about the pitch when they arrive. I mean, you have to check out the carpet you will be rolling the ball about on, don't you? It's fair to say the Germans look more relaxed than the English, but that could mean nothing. Or, it could mean a whole lot. Germany, beware. .. A happy Harvey Elliott is a dangerous Harvey Elliott, and my word, doesn't he look relaxed. This does not look like a bloke who is about to play in a European final in just over an hour. He has been here before, in fairness, and we know how that went. Liverpool fans, have a read of this. We all know that Harvey Elliott is not the number one choice at Liverpool, and that's because of a certain Mohamed Saalh, so it makes sense. But even as a midfielder, the talent that surrounds him has seen him drop down the pecking order under Arne Slot. Two of my colleagues, Nathan Salt and Lewis Steele, have written about why he needs to look out for himself and his still-promising career. Worth a read, most definitely. Click below: I just don't understand why Liverpool would let Harvey Elliott leave. The 22-year-old struggled for minutes so much last season that I'm pretty sure his bum is imprinted into the bench at Anfield. He was always a substitute. But at this tournament, he has once again shown why former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp trusted him so much. A certified baller. If it wasn't for Elliott, England wouldn't even be here. The technique and composure he showed to net a brace in the semi-final were so impressive. That winner has been playing over and over in my head for days. It was a top-class finish. If Arne Slot has watched him this tournament and still decides to let him leave the Premier League champions, I'd be stunned. The question is, though, can he deliver again in the final? Why change a winning formula? Lee Carsley has opted to pick the exact same 11 players that started the semi-final against the Netherlands. That means that the man of the hour on Wednesday night, Harvey Elliott, is ready to shine again on that right wing. What a talented team of youngsters this is. Now, it's only right that I share Germany's journey too, right? Well, this will be a pretty ominous read for any England fans because Germany have been dominant. 'All I do is win, win, win, no matter what, ' that is the anthem for the young German's route to this final. Here is how they got here: Ready to roar? OK, now that was cringe of me. I was trying something and it just didn't work, but I'll leave it. Anyway, England Under 21s have arrived for the big game, and most of them look fairly relaxed. A good sign? I think so. Right, I have a feeling that many of you won't have actually followed the U21 Euros. Maybe I'm cynical, but come on, be honest. So, I thought for those of you who are just here because you saw the dramatic end to the semi-final, I'd take you through England's journey. This was their route to this final: Lovely weather for a final, am I right? Bratislava appears to be exactly like London right now, boiling hot with clouds nowhere to be seen. Beautiful, blooming beautiful. Any England fans on their way to the National Stadium, bring your sun cream, hats, and sunnies. You're going to need them. I bet we will still see a topless bloke with a beer belly, though, won't we? Got to love it. Anyway, there are no fans in the stadium yet; it's rather calm for now. I always love the peacefulness before carnage ensues. Believe me, it's going to get chaotic. 'He has very fast feet, good ball control, and strong dribbling in tight spaces. ' That is what Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß has said about Nick Woltemade, and he is bang on. If you want to read more about why England should be so worried about the big man up top, Nathan Salt has done a deep dive on the striker for you. As always, it's brilliant work. Have a read. Read more: There is a reason they call him the 'two-metre Messi'. When you look at Nick Woltemade, you could be forgiven for thinking he is just another lanky striker who gets on the end of crosses. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. The main reason Germany could be considered favourites tonight is that they have the soon-to-be Bayern Munich star up top for them. Woltemade, who currently plays for Stuttgart, has exceptional feet for somebody of his 6ft5 size. He can twist and turn out of the smallest of spaces. He is rapid, and the ball just seems to stick to his first. Oh yeah, and my word, can he finish. He is the competition's top scorer with six goals from just four games, although none of them came in the group stages against England. Well, that's because he didn't play. He has shown exactly why he is a much-wanted man this tournament, and if I were England, I'd be scared of him. I bet he bags tonight, just watch. It's a German national side. .. I mean, come on. Of course, they are quality. When I asked my colleague Nathan how good this Germany Under 21s side are, he just replied: 'Very good'. That says it all, really, don't you think? This Germany Under 21s side is stacked with talent. For starters, they have Nick Woltemade - destined for Bayern Munich - who has the feet of Lionel Messi and the height of Peter Crouch. OK, OK, that's dramatic, maybe Messi is a push. But still, he's an absolute baller for such a big man. Then they also have Borussia Dortmund's Ansgar Knauff, who has the ability to turn even the best of full-backs inside out. Yet again, a proper baller. There is a reason that this side are on a 20-match unbeaten streak, many would argue they are the best U21 side in Europe. I mean, they did beat England in the groups, so that's fair. I'm sure they will feel confident of managing what their predecessors did in 2021 - a team which included Florian Wirtz - and win this tournament again. Is it time for title number four? Lee Carsley, England Under 21s head coach, speaking on Friday: What is it about Lee Carsley and these Young Lions, eh? Once again, the England under 21s head coach has shown exactly why he is one of the most talented young coaches around. He just has a knack for leading this side to tournament finals. Once, fair enough, but twice, that's just brilliant. The early stages of this tournament were not easy for the Young Lions, either. They looked devoid of ideas in a sloppy draw against Slovenia and then lost to tonight's finalists, Germany. Sometimes, that would be enough to see you knocked out, but England were lucky enough to get through, and from then on, they were a different team. To knock out a special Spain side was superb, and then the dramatic fashion in which they got past the Netherlands just makes it feel as though their name is on the trophy. Getting past these young Germans will be no walk in the park, mind. It's going to be a proper slog. If they manage it, they will replicate what the Young Lions of 1982 and 1984 managed under Dave Sexton, by winning back-to-back Euros titles. I'm buzzing for this game, if you couldn't tell already. It's going to be a cracker of a night. Will it end with more glory for the Young Lions? This is what it's all about. In roughly four to five hours, either James Mc Atee or Eric Martel will be lifting this bad boy above their heads. I can't lie, it's a pretty weird bit of silverware. When I look at this trophy, I just think of the Quidditch Cup or the Goblet of Fire. Just seems like something you would win in Harry Potter World, not a European cup. Still, I don't think the players care how it looks, do they? 'Back to back, like I'm Jordan '96, '97' Hip-hop lovers will know the song that these lyrics are from, I am almost certain of it. Yep, it's from Drake's 2015 track 'Back to Back', funnily enough. This is a song that England's Young Lions should be blasting from their dressing room as they attempt to win the European U21 Championships for the second time on the bounce. I can see it now, Harvey Elliott jumping up and down to pump himself up as Drake belts 'Yeah, I'm going back to back'. That's sure to fire him and the rest of the squad up, I imagine. I mean, they are going to have to be at their very best if they are to win this competition again, as they face a Germany side that beat them in the group stage. What a time it would be to get revenge on the big stage. I will never tire of seeing England in a Euros final, even if it seems to be happening every single year. This is going to be one hell of a night, whatever happens. Strap yourselves in and enjoy the show. I’ d rather the u-21s won over the women

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