Harvey Elliott was the hero for the England Under-21s, scoring a magnificent double to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the European Championship semi-final on Wednesday evening. The Liverpool midfielder's exceptional performance sends the Young Lions to the final, where they will have the opportunity to defend their title.
England started brightly, but it was in the second half that Elliott truly made his mark. He broke the deadlock with a powerful strike, only for the Netherlands to equalize shortly after. With the game finely poised, Elliott, wearing the captain's armband, took matters into his own hands, weaving through the Dutch defense before firing home a superb winner in the 86th minute.
The victory continues a remarkable tournament for Elliott, who has been a standout player for Lee Carsley's side. His goals in the semi-final have not only propelled his team to the brink of another European glory but have also intensified speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool.
While Elliott has expressed his love for his boyhood club, a lack of consistent starting opportunities at Anfield has led to rumors of a potential summer transfer. His stellar performances in the U21 Euros will have undoubtedly caught the attention of several top clubs.
Speaking after the match, England U21 manager Lee Carsley hailed Elliott's contribution, praising his leadership and quality on the ball. Former professional players have also weighed in, with many suggesting that the talented midfielder may need to seek a move to secure the regular first-team football his performances merit.
Elliott himself remained focused on the immediate task at hand, expressing his delight at reaching the final and emphasizing the team's desire to retain their crown. However, he did admit to a minor knee injury sustained during his goal celebration, though the severity is not yet clear.
England will now face the winner of the other semi-final between France and Germany in the showpiece event on Saturday. All eyes will be on Elliott, not just to see if he can inspire his country to another trophy, but also to see what the future holds for one of England's brightest young talents.
