Harvey Elliott scores Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Harvey Elliott scored twice to send England Under-21s through to the Euro 2025 final

England Under-21s are one match away from winning back-to-back Euros after Harvey Elliott's brilliant double sent them into the final.

The defending champions set up a showdown against Germany on Saturday in Bratislava by overcoming the Netherlands.

England won the tournament for the first time in 39 years in 2023, and Lee Carsley's side could now match the feat of successive triumphs in 1982 and 1984.

Elliott was twice denied by Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs in the first half, but the Young Lions struggled to maintain their tempo in the blistering heat of Slovakia.

They remained comfortable during a low-key opening period, but the Netherlands grew in confidence, with left-back Ian Maatsen denied by James Beadle before Elliott's 62nd-minute opener.

The Liverpool attacker rifled in right-footed for his third goal of the tournament after being slipped in by Elliot Anderson's pass.

Noah Ohio levelled 10 minutes later for the Dutch, capitalising on defender Charlie Cresswell's error and catching Beadle out with a superb curling low finish from 30 yards - the former Hull City loanee's first touch after coming on as a substitute.

But Elliott had the final say when he drove forward and drilled low into the right corner from the edge of the box with five minutes left.

What's the main talking point?

In the immediate aftermath of the game, there was only one talking point - can England retain their title?

Germany await England in Bratislava after they beat France 3-0 in the other semi-final.

The Young Lions' grit, determination and quality have seen them through.

They have gained momentum during the tournament – crucial for any winning side – but have done so with unity and class.

They lost to Germany in their final group game so revenge will be on their minds when they meet in the showpiece.

The standout stats

England were deserved winners, but the statistics point towards a more balanced game.

Both teams had 50% of the ball, while England's passing accuracy was 90% to the Netherlands' 87%.

The Dutch completed 13 more passes (385-372), and England's ball recoveries total of 32 was just two more than their opponents achieved, but Carsley's side had double the attempts at goal (12-6).

Which players stood out?

Elliott drove England forward and underlined his quality with two brilliant finishes after a frustrating season at Liverpool.

Tino Livramento had another strong game at the back, although it was a frustrating one for Omari Hutchinson in attack as he faded following a bright start.

Dutch forward Ohio – who had spells in the youth teams of both Manchester United and Manchester City – claimed an audacious equaliser just three minutes after coming off the bench.

What is next?

England stay in Bratislava for another few nights before Saturday's final against Germany, while the Netherlands head home after falling short in Slovakia.

Where next?

Player of the match

Number: 19 H. Elliott
Average rating 9.05
Number: 19 H. Elliott
Average Rating: 9.05
Number: 8 E. Anderson
Average Rating: 8.19
Number: 2 T. Livramento
Average Rating: 7.99
Number: 1 J. Beadle
Average Rating: 7.82
Number: 18 J. Stansfield
Average Rating: 7.59
Number: 4 J. Quansah
Average Rating: 7.56
Number: 16 J. Hinshelwood
Average Rating: 7.53
Number: 11 O. Hutchinson
Average Rating: 7.52
Number: 20 A. Scott
Average Rating: 7.46
Number: 5 C. Cresswell
Average Rating: 7.24
Number: 10 J. McAtee
Average Rating: 7.10
Number: 6 H. Hackney
Average Rating: 6.91
Number: 12 B. Norton-Cuffy
Average Rating: 6.83
Number: 14 A. Gray
Average Rating: 6.80
Number: 9 J. Rowe
Average Rating: 6.71
Number: 21 E. Nwaneri
Average Rating: 6.62

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.