England conquered Oude Rivals Germany in an exciting final in the European championship under 21, with the young lions who conquer their title defense by an extra-time winner by replacement Jonathan Rowe.
England had slipped a lead of two goals late in the first half, but some inspired replacements from manager Lee Carsley made the difference because they eventually won 3-2 in Bratislava.
It brings the total trek of England to four titles in the competition, but they were completely pushed by a German side who came in the final as favorites and had defeated the young lions in the group stage.
England took the lead in the fifth minute when Omari Hutchinson had saved his effort by the keeper and a defensive permission fell on Harvey Elliott, who had time and space to choose his place and send a low shot in the nearby pole.
The Liverpool –man started the move for the second goal of England with a broken pass to the path of James Mcatee, and when the midfielder found his route blocked by two defenders, he explained the ball to Hutchinson, who drilled his strike through the legs of the keeper.
Hutchinson walked away in the celebration after his 24th minute goal, but Germany withdrew one in extra time for the break. Paul Nebel crossed the wing and Nelson Weiper was created to provide a bullet header along England keeper James Beadle with power.
The equalizer came in the 61st minute of a corner kick that went all the way to Nebel, wide in the area, which pulled in and rode the ball in the far top corner.
Both parties created further opportunities, but neither could find the moment of quality that is needed in normal time. England went back in the front within two minutes after extra time, when replacement Tyler Morton drove a perfect ball in the box and the unarkly Jonathan Rowe, who also came from the couch, went home.
Rowe had only been on the field for two minutes, after he had replaced Elliott – who later received the player of the Tournament Award, ending with five goals and a huge contribution to the success of England – at the end of the normal time.
Germany continued to insist while the minutes passed, but this time there was no way back when England was firmly stuck despite the ruthless pressure.
Replacement Merlin Rohl clattered the woodwork in extra time with a immersing volley that almost sent it to punishments, while James Beadle was forced into a late, last-minute rescue, but it would again be heartache for Germany and joy for England again.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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