A superb double from Harvey Elliott fired England into their second successive U21 Euros final, beating the Netherlands 2-1 in sweltering Bratislava.
It was another impressive performance from the Young Lions, who had beaten favourites Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals. They will now defend their title - which they won in 2023 - against Germany or France on Saturday at 8pm.
While Liverpool's Elliott did score eventually score twice, he could also have netted on two occasions in the opening 15 minutes when he was twice denied by Netherlands goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Lee Carsley's side would have been disappointed not to go into the break ahead after a fairly dominant first half, but did break the deadlock just after the hour.
It was a fine finish from Elliott as Elliot Anderson found the Liverpool midfielder unmarked on the right. He then strode down the side of the area before thundering home on the angle.
England's Harvey Elliott celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the semi final soccer match between England and the Netherlands at the European U-21 Championship at the National football stadium in Bratislava, Slovakia, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Image: Harvey Elliott celebrates with team-mates after scoring England's second goal
But the Netherlands equalised after a few England mistakes. Charlie Cresswell's loose touch rolled into Noah Ohio's path. He spotted James Beadle off his line and took his chance, sending the ball rolling past the scrambling goalkeeper. It was his first touch of the game having just come on as a substitute.
The two continued to match each other in the second half but another moment of magic from Elliott sealed England's place in the showpiece final.
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He picked the ball up in midfield and easily turned past his marker Thom van Bergen. The space then opened up ahead of him as he drilled another superb shot past Roefs and rightly revelled in the glory with his celebration.
It is the second time in England U21s history they have reached back-to-back finals, also doing so in 1982 and 1984. They won both, although it was not played in the current tournament format.
Analysis: Elliott the best player on the pitch
Sky Sports' Adam Bate at Tehelne Pole:
"Lee Carsley is now one game away from retaining England's crown as champions of Europe at U21 level.
"Two years ago, they didn't concede a goal. It has not been that straightforward in Slovakia but maybe we have learned more about these players as a result.
"They had to recover from that extraordinary equaliser and did so thanks to a moment of magic from Harvey Elliott.
"The Liverpool player was part of the squad in 2023 but he is a star of this one. The best player on the pitch and the scorer of both of England's goals.
"Whether it is Germany or France, it will be a testing final on Saturday. But the future for these players - and Carsley himself - looks bright."