Euro U21’s 2025 Champions – Well Done Again England

Great Achievement

For once, an edge of my seat viewing was rewarded with an England victory, and against our old rivals, Germany.

Following a great start, dominating play and with chances, the possibility of being four up after 30 minutes, the Germans sneaked a goal back just before half-time.

Germany came into the game in the second half – probably because Scott was injured in a bad challenge and was substituted – and they deservedly equalised sending the game into extra time.

55 years on, I had a sense of Déjà vu when I recalled being a 13-year-old watching England throw away a 2-goal lead to Germany in the 1970 World Cup. Something I will never forget.

But, despite the Germans hitting the bar in added time of the ninety minutes, early after the re-start, Rowe produced a moment of class from a great cross from Morton – Scott’s replacement – heading England in front. They never looked back.

Despite the German’s pressing, England held on for a memorable victory, in a game played in a wonderful spirit by two very good sides. However, for once, England was victorious.

As their astute manager Lee Carsley pointed out, the squad grew into the competition, improving with every game, and despite losing to Germany in the group stages, were worthy champions.

Everyone – it’s not just the 11 players on the pitch, but the squad and all the technical and back-room staff that deserve credit. They can all be proud of the success and the part they played in retaining the trophy. There were many good individual players, but I sensed it was overall a great team performance. However, if pushed, my man of the competition was Charlie Cresswell – I know he’s a defender, but so was I – he played every minute of every game and, along with the rest of the defenders, provided the foundation for the victory.

Well done, England, worthy champions, and for once I went to bed content and proud of an English victory.

Let’s see if the Lionesses can emulate the lads and retain their Euro crown. Something I think will be a tall order. However, if they show the resilience, determination and skill of the U21’s, they might just do it. Here’s hoping. But somehow, I sense I’m in for more edge of the seat viewing in the weeks ahead.