Germany's U21 side secured the top spot in Group B of the UEFA U21 European Championship with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Despite the loss, the Young Lions also advance to the knockout stages as group runners-up.
A much-changed German team, already assured of qualification, started brightly and raced into an early lead. In the 3rd minute, Eintracht Frankfurt's Ansgar Knauff found the net with a composed finish past England goalkeeper James Beadle.
England, who knew a draw would guarantee their progression, dominated possession for large spells of the first half but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a resolute German defence. Their task was made harder just after the half-hour mark when Nelson Weiper rose highest to head home Germany's second goal, leaving Lee Carsley's side with a mountain to climb.
The Young Lions emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and pushed to find a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Bristol City's Alex Scott bundled the ball home to reduce the deficit.
Buoyed by the goal, England pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Germany held firm to see out the victory and maintain their perfect record in the group stage.
The result means Germany will now face the runner-up of Group D in the quarter-finals, while England are set to take on the winner of the same group. Both teams will be looking to build on their group stage performances as they head into the business end of the tournament.
