By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 23:40 BST, 25 June 2025 | Updated: 23:41 BST, 25 June 2025
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) - Harvey Elliott's knee-slide celebration was brief - and painful.
The Liverpool midfielder scored twice to help England beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday and advance to the Under-21 European Championship final.
Elliott went into his celebration after opening the scoring in 62nd minute. But instead of sliding, he hit the dry pitch and tumbled forward, leaving a divot behind him.
He told broadcaster Channel 4 after the semifinal that his knee was "hurting" and added "hopefully it´s nothing too silly."
"I forgot the pitch was ridiculously dry. It´s the price I´ve got to pay, but it is what it is," said Elliott, who played on after the close-range strike.
After Noah Ohio had equalized for the Dutch, Elliott netted a left-footed winner in the 86th.
England's Harvey Elliott celebrates 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)
England, the defending champion, will play Germany in the final on Saturday.
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England's Harvey Elliott, center, 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)
England's Harvey Elliott scores the opening 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)