 |
| Lee Carsley Challenges England U21 to Secure Historic Third Consecutive UEFA European Championship Title. |
England U21 have once again made history by winning back-to-back UEFA European Under-21 Championship titles. However, head coach Lee Carsley is not stopping there — he is already challenging his squad to go for a third title in a row at the next tournament.
In a thrilling final match on Saturday, England U21 defeated Germany U21 3-2 in extra time at Stadion Tehelne Pole, successfully defending their title and lifting the trophy for the second consecutive edition.
England vs Germany U21: Dramatic Final with Extra Time Heroics
The Young Lions took an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson. However, Germany responded with goals from Nelson Weiper and Paul Nebel, leveling the score at 2-2. In stoppage time, Nebel nearly put Germany ahead but his shot rattled the crossbar.
Substitute Jonathan Rowe became the game-changer, scoring just 85 seconds after entering the pitch in extra time. Germany continued to press, with Merlin Rohl hitting the bar in the dying seconds, but England held on to clinch their fourth U21 European title.
Lee Carsley: "This Squad Believes — Now Let's Do It Again"
Lee Carsley, who recently signed a contract extension until 2027, was full of praise for his team. Speaking to Channel 4, he said:
"I'm really proud of the players. Their commitment over the last 28 days has been outstanding. They believed they could win, and that belief made the difference."
Carsley acknowledged some flaws in their performance, admitting that the team sat too deep and lacked control at times, but emphasized that the overall achievement was what mattered most.
"We are European champions for the second time in a row, and that’s an amazing achievement. The challenge now is to go for a third title in two years."
He also expressed his love for the job and his long-term vision for helping players transition to the senior team.
"I’ve had a chance with the senior squad and loved it. My goal now is to keep building the pathway and support the next generation of England players."
Jonathan Rowe: "Everyone Had the Same Winning Mentality"
Substitute hero Jonathan Rowe, who scored the decisive goal, described the unity and determination within the squad:
"From the moment I arrived, I could feel the winning mindset. Even though I wasn’t in the starting eleven, I knew my chance would come, and I just wanted to help the team in any way I could."
He added that scoring in front of key figures like senior team head coach Thomas Tuchel made the moment even more special.
England U21’s Growing Legacy
-
This is England’s second consecutive UEFA U21 Euro title, matching their only previous back-to-back wins in 1982 and 1984.
-
The team bounced back after a 2-1 group-stage loss to Germany, where both squads fielded rotated lineups.
-
England now holds four total U21 Euro titles, placing them among the competition’s most successful nations.
What’s Next for the Young Lions?
With talents like Harvey Elliott, Omari Hutchinson, and Jonathan Rowe, and a strong coaching figure in Lee Carsley, the England U21 team looks poised for even greater success in the years ahead.
The next UEFA European Under-21 Championship will take place in two years — and all eyes will be on whether this generation can pull off a historic three-peat.
England’s back-to-back U21 Euro victories confirm the strength of their youth development system. If this form continues, a third title in 2027 is well within reach — and the future of English football is in very capable hands.
*READ MORE LATEST NEWS AT GOOGLE NEWS