Harvey Elliott decided not to spend his summer break on a beach weighing up a transfer away from Liverpool but to help fire England to the brink of creating history
15:25, 26 Jun 2025
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Harvey Elliott could have chosen to spend June sitting on a beach somewhere considering his future.
Sipping something cool, while wondering if he might have to leave Liverpool during the transfer window. But instead, the Premier League winner found himself drinking in the acclaim in Bratislava, having fired the England U21 side into successive Euros finals.
Elliott's decisive double to sink Holland has left Lee Carsley's Young Lions on the cusp of creating history. The chance to beat Germany in Saturday's final - and defend the trophy they won in 2023.
Of the 24 teams to win the U21 Euros, 10 of them have gone on to also win either the World Cup or senior Euros within 12 years. Of more immediate concern to Elliott will be getting a second medal around his neck first. He was a late substitute when Carsley's team beat Spain in Georgia.
Elliott already knows what conquering the continent feels like, so would have been justified in giving the current tournament a miss. But he also knew he needed some football, due to a domestic season of utter frustration back at Anfield.
A tearful Harvey Elliott bid what appeared to be an emotional farewell to Anfield after Liverpool's last game of the season against Crystal Palace
A tearful Harvey Elliott bid what appeared to be an emotional farewell to Anfield after Liverpool's last game of the season against Crystal Palace(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool might have won the Premier League title, but Elliott found himself with a front row seat to watch it happen, having started just two league games. It left him admitting he didn't want to be "wasting years" in his career, and that he would assess his club situation this summer.
In the meantime, the 22-year-old has put himself in the shop window. And following a string of commanding performances in Slovakia, should have a long queue of clubs admiring what they see through the glass.
It speaks volumes for the strength of Arne Slot's champion side that someone of Elliott's ability cannot get into it. His four goals for the Young Lions have left Elliott as the tournament's second top scorer.
And with him being one of just two players remaining from the trophy-winning team two years ago (the other is Charlie Cresswell), Elliott is also one of the main leaders of the group. His impact within the squad has been one of the driving forces.
Perhaps the only thing Elliott has got wrong has been his failed knee slide following his opening goal against the Dutch in the Stadion Tehelne.
"I decided to a do a silly knee slide which really hurt," he joked afterwards. "But you have to live in the moment. You do these things, but I forgot the pitch was ridiculously dry and it is the price I have got to pay.
"Hopefully it is nothing too silly. But there's nothing better than scoring for your country, in front of your family in the stands.
"We all deserve to be here, the squad is incredible in terms of the quality, in terms of how we play football as a team, and the togetherness we have.
Harvey Elliott scores England's winning goal against Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championship
Harvey Elliott scores England's winning goal against Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championship(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
"The moment we have fear within ourselves is the moment it goes wrong. I think now, especially after the Spain game (in the quarter-finals), the fear isn't there any more. We can take on any team."
Following some long months of feeling like a spare part, Elliott has his confidence and mojo back. And it could result in a win-win scenario for both Elliott and Liverpool.
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Because despite his transfer fee rising with every goal he scores, Elliott is still sure to get the move he wants if he decides to walk out of Anfield.