England 3-2 Germany: Lee Carsley's Young Lions win the U21 Euros AGAIN as Thomas Tuchel watches epic final
It was jotted down in an FA notebook that if England were to get a second crack at Germany out here in Slovakia they'd beat them.
It was a short verdict, no more than a line or two, but was a sentiment shared throughout the camp, despite being unceremoniously beaten by Antonio di Salvo's side in the group stage.
What that note didn't have down was that this absorbing contest would run 120 minutes, would see England blow a 2-0 first half lead, having their crossbar rattled in the fourth minute of stoppage time in regulation, before scoring with the first attack of extra-time through substitute Jonathan Rowe.
At half-time of extra-time Carsley beckoned his players into a huddle, the families only metres away, and he delivered a gladiatorial speech to get them over the line.
Back to back European champions. Carsley a history-maker, matching the achievement of Dave Sexton, who won this tournament in 1982 and 1984. Champions - again.
Up in the stands England boss Thomas Tuchel roared and winced at the highs and lows of this contest. When Rowe scored with his first meaningful touch, a flicked header from a Tyler Morton cross, he delighted at seeing his motherland sucker-punched.
More to follow.
MATCH FACTS
ENGLAND (4-2-2-2): Beadle 7; Livramento 6.5, Cresswell 8, Quansah 7, Hinshelwood 7; Scott 6.5 (Morton 44, 6.5), Anderson 8.5 (Egan-Riley 99); Elliott 7.5 (Rowe 91), Hutchinson 7 (Iling-Junior 98); McAtee 8 (Nwaneri 91), Stansfield 6 (Norton-Cuffy 62, 6)
Goals: Elliott (5), Hutchinson (24), Rowe (92)
Manager: Lee Carsley 9
GERMANY (4-4-2): Atubolu 6; Collins 6, Oermann 6.5 (Wanner 105), Arrey-Mbi 7, Brown 6 (Ullrich 86); Nebel 8, Martel 6 (Tresoldi 98), Reitz 7; Weiper 7.5 (Rohl 80), Woltemade 6, Gruda 7 (Knauff 73)
Goals: Weiper (45+1), Nebel (61)
Booked: Martel
Manager: Antonio di Salvo 7
Attendance: 19,153
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
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