England U-21 manager, Lee Carsley, has shared his thoughts following his team’s hard-fought victory over Germany in the final of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, held in Slovakia.
The Young Lions edged out their German counterparts 3-2 in a thrilling contest on Saturday night, with the game requiring extra-time to separate the two sides.
Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson were on target for England, while Nelson Weiper and Paul Nebel scored for Germany to leave the score level at 2-2 after regulation time.
Jonathan Rowe stepped up in extra-time to net the decisive goal at Tehelné Pole, sealing England’s triumph.
After the final whistle, Carsley expressed pride in the squad’s efforts and underlined the significance of the achievement.
“I’m so proud, not of myself but of the players and the commitment that they have shown the last 28 days,” Carsley said.
“All the instruction we have tried to give to them, they have taken in on board so quickly.
“They have so much belief, this squad believe that they can win. And that is the kind of players we need.
“To be European champions for a second time is a great achievement and I suppose the challenge now is to do it again in two years.”
With this result, England successfully defended their U-21 European crown, further cementing their rising status at youth level on the continent.
