England U21 2-1 Netherlands U21: Harvey Elliott magic sets up Euro final showdown with Germany
Liverpool's Harvey Elliott was the hero for Lee Carsley's side with two stunning second half goals either side of Noah Ohio's equally impressive equaliser for the Dutch.
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As a result, the Young Lions - who lifted the trophy two years ago - remain on course to go back-to-back as they will be back in Bratislava on Saturday to defend their European U21 Championship crown against Germany.
The Germans cruised past France, 3-0, in the other semi-final with Nelson Weiper, Nick Woltemade and Brajan Gruda all netting to set up a repeat of the 2009 final.
England were the dominant team in the first-half but had nothing to show for their efforts. Ipswich's Omari Hutchinson was the standout player, creating a chance, inside the opening three minutes, for Elliott who was denied by a really impressive save from Robin Roefs.
Roefs was called into action once again to keep out Elliott's effort at his near post before the Dutch goalkeeper raced off his line to smother the ball at the feet of James McAtee who had attempted a cheeky finish.
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Alex Scott then saw a shot deflected over the bar in the final action of the half.
To their credit, the Netherlands started the second half the better of the two teams with Aston Villa full-back Ian Maatsen forcing James Beadle into a full stretch save following an effort from distance.
In many ways the opening goal came slightly against the run of play when Elliott fired an effort into the roof of the net following a quick counter-attack.
The lead lasted all of 10 minutes though as substitute Noah Ohio equalised for the Netherlands with his very first touch of the ball as he caught Beadle off his line with a fine finish.
With the game heading into extra-time and potentially penalties, Elliott made the difference with a moment of magic. Evading a couple of challenges before finding the bottom corner to book England's place in the final.
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