Stoppage time stunner sends England U21s out

With everything still to play for despite losing their opening two games, England U21s took on Croatia in their final qualifying match tonight, needing a win, and things to go their way in the other group game.

The Action: Without a shot on target in England’s opening two games, Aidy Boothroyd finally added some much-needed flair to his side in the shape of Crystal Palace’s Ebere Eze and the impact was instant.

Spending much more time in the opposition’s box, the Young Lions were finally rewarded with an unbelievably generous penalty inside the first 10 minutes. Eddie Nketiah went down in the box after a slight touch of legs, and Eze soon fired the ball home for England’s first goal of the tournament.

The England line-up appeared far more balanced with Sam Gallagher and Curtis Jones in central midfield, and controlled the game well before the latter put qualification in sight late on with an excellently placed finish with just over 15 minutes to play.

Portugal’s 3-0 lead in the other Group D match against Switzerland meant Boothroyd’s men were through, but in stoppage time disaster struck in breathtaking fashion, as Croatia’s Domagoj Bradarić unleashed a long-range effort perfectly into the top corner of Aaron Ramsdale’s net.

The Big Picture: It’s hard to see Aidy Boothroyd ever coming back from his second U21 group stage exit in as many tournaments, and with English youth production continuing to improve to a world-class standard, it’s time for some fresh new coaches to also appear.

Man of the Match: Once Jones moved into central midfield, him and Gallagher began to dominate the game, with Jones having the edge after his perfectly hit goal.

Heartbreak for England! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

In injury time, they concede an absolute stunner that will send them home from the tournament, unless they can score again. You have to applaud a strike like that! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ZZ9VD65MIl

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 31, 2021