McAtee nets opener as England beat Spain to reach U21 Euros semi-finals
James McAtee scored the first goal of the game as England beat Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U21 European Championships in Slovakia.
Captaining Lee Carsley's side, McAtee pounced on a loose ball to turn home from a few yards out after just 10 minutes.
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That was backed up shortly after by Harvey Elliott, who made the most of a tap in after a low shot was spilled by goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe.
Spain were given a lifeline as half-time approached when Jarrell Quansah tripped Alberto Moleiro in the box.
Valencia's Javi Guerra made no mistake from the spot, halving England's lead at the break.
With England working hard to keep Spain at arm's length in the second period, McAtee - a creative midfielder who shines on the ball - ran himself into the ground.
Our Academy graduate was replaced in the 71st minute as Carsley sought to reinforce further back.
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England held firm and were even able to make the game safe in stoppage time, when Jonathan Rowe was felled by Iturbe in the box.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson converted for the defending champions to ensure safe progress.
Speaking after the game, McAtee was only focused on what's to come.
"We're over the moon but the focus is the semi-final now," he said.
"We got through the group but we knew it wasn't good enough so we had to step it up today so we're glad we got the win."
McAtee and England will now face Netherlands at the Slovakian national stadium in Bratislava at 17:00 (UK) on Wednesday 25 June for a place in the final.
We'll have a report from that game on mancity.com and our official app shortly after it concludes.
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