James McAtee perhaps had the best night of his career on Saturday as he captained England’s U-21 side to winning the UEFA European Under-21 Championship by beating Germany 3-2 in a dramatic affair.
The Manchester City midfielder ran the show for Lee Carsley’s side, setting up Omari Hutchinson’s goal with a deft pass.
James McAtee came close to scoring on two occasions himself and on another day, he could have grabbed a goal on another day.
While McAtee is frustrated at Manchester City, he has shown at Under-21 level why several teams should be keen on prising him away from his boyhood club.
England v Germany - UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola made McAtee a first-team player but unfortunately for the 22-year-old, he made just eight starts in all competitions for City last season.
However, the silky technician’s latest exploits have shown why he remains one of Europe’s most naturally gifted youngsters, winning the Player of the Match award after his latest display.
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GOAL gave McAtee an 8/10 match rating after his showing against Germany’s U-21 side, as he was England’s joint-highest rated player, writing: “The captain was outstanding, creating chances at will from just behind Stansfield while making sure to do his defensive work for the team.”
The ‘Salford Silva’ was the Express’ joint-highest rated player alongside Elliott Anderson and Charlie Creswell as well, as they wrote: “Captained the side and pulled out an incredible Cruyff turn midway through the first half before drilling the ball across goal. Could have pulled the trigger after a fine counter attack from England midway through the first half but tried to pick out Jay Stansfield instead.”
“Lost the ball in a dangerous area just before the break but was bailed out. Had an effort saved at the other end moments later and almost found the back of the net in the early stages of the second period. Ran the show for much of the game.”
James McAtee stats for England vs Germany in Under-21 Euros final
For Manchester City, McAtee’s heroics in the European Under-21 Championship for England against Germany might come as no surprise, considering he came through their academy.
However, with Bayer Leverkusen eyeing McAtee among several clubs, City may not wish to let him go.
Especially after the clash at Tehelné pole where the stats reflect how well the silky attacker played.
JAMES MCATEE STATS VS GERMANY UNDER-21S
ASSISTS 1
CHANCES CREATED 1
PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD 2
TOUCHES IN OPPOSITION BOX 8
SHOTS ON TARGET 1/4 (25%)
McAtee provided an assist, played two passes into the final third, took eight touches in the opposition box and took four shots on target as he was a constant threat for his side.
Considering McAtee missed the FIFA Club World Cup to partake in the competition and emerged triumphant perhaps justifies his decision not to fly to the United States.