England captain James McAtee seems set to leave Manchester City during the winter transfer window and has now led his country into the semi-finals at the expense of Spain
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Sport
23:08, 21 Jun 2025
James McAtee celebrates scoring for England against Spain in their European Under-21 Championship quarter-final
James McAtee is making the most of not being with Manchester City at the Club World Cup this summer
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
England have secured their spot in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship after a 3-1 win over Spain in Slovakia.
The Young Lions, who face the Netherlands next, were given an early reprieve when a penalty decision was overturned after a VAR review. James McAtee then broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, followed by Harvey Elliott scoring his second goal of the tournament just five minutes later.
Javi Guerra managed to pull one back for Spain with a penalty in the 39th minute. However, a late penalty from substitute Elliot Anderson in stoppage time confirmed England's place in the final four.
The match began on shaky ground for England as Spain believed they had been awarded a penalty when Charlie Cresswell was penalised for handball by referee Simone Sozza. However, after a consultation with the VAR, the decision was reversed, much to England's relief.
McAtee scored the opening goal from an Alex Scott corner, assisted by a flick-on from Omari Hutchinson. Spain managed to get a touch on the ball, but it only served to direct it towards the alert England captain, who promptly scored from close range.
Elliott extended England's lead five minutes later, capitalising on a spill from Spain's goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe following a long-range effort from Jarell Quansah. England, however, gave Spain another opportunity from the penalty spot after losing possession deep in their own third.
The situation worsened when Quansah fouled Alberto Moleiro, prompting referee Sozza to immediately award a penalty. Guerra took the penalty and reduced the deficit by confidently sending James Beadle the wrong way.
After the restart, excellent play from Quansah and Hutchinson nearly set up Jay Stansfield, whose shot was deflected over the bar. Shortly afterwards, Cresswell headed a corner into the side netting.
Beadle twice thwarted Guerra before stopping a shot from Mateo Joseph, while England were still seeking their first shot on target since Elliott's goal with 20 minutes left, following Morton's near miss. Jack Hinshelwood had a golden opportunity to extend England's lead, but he mistimed a free header, sending it over the crossbar.
As Spain searched for a late equaliser, England caught them on the break. Iturbe was penalised for fouling Jonathan Rowe inside the penalty area, allowing Anderson to convert the penalty and secure victory for England.