U21 European Championship 2025: Germany loses dramatic final against England

Nick Woltemade sank to the ground in disappointment at the final whistle, while Antonio Di Salvo stared up at the sky with empty eyes: The German U21s' European Championship dream was dashed just before the finish. Despite strong morale, Woltemade's team lost the thriller against defending champions England 2-3 (2-2, 1-2) after extra time in front of national coach Julian Nagelsmann. It was the first defeat in exactly two years for Antonio Di Salvo's team.

"The team believed in it and fought until the end today," said DFB coach Di Salvo on Sat.1. "Then our shots hit the crossbar in the 90th and 120th minutes – the football gods were not on our side today."

Substitute Jonathan Rowe (92') ensured a late knockout for the German team in the Slovakian capital Bratislava, which had previously won all five of its European Championship matches. Mainz's Nelson Weiper (45'+1') and Paul Nebel (61') had equalized a quick 2-0 deficit in regular time through Harvey Elliott (5') and Omari Hutchinson (25'). Curiously, the U21s' last defeat had come at the 2023 European Championship – also on June 28, also against England.

This also abruptly ended the dream of a fourth title after 2009, 2017, and 2021. For most players, including Woltemade, who was reportedly courted by Bayern Munich but was unlucky this time, it was their last appearance as a youth international. Woltemade at least took home the award for top scorer with six goals at the European Championship; only three Germans had achieved this before him.

Unlike in the group stage, when Germany's B team beat England 2-1, Di Salvo fielded the best possible team this time. "It's a final, so the cards are being laid on the table," said the DFB coach before kickoff. And indeed, the Young Lions were much more present and aggressive from the start this time.

The result was a quick 1-0 lead. SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu initially made a brilliant save from Hutchinson, but then Nnamdi Collins (Eintracht Frankfurt) cleared the ball right into Elliott's feet. The Liverpool striker coolly slotted home his fifth goal of the tournament.

The 19,153 spectators, including Nagelsmann and England manager Thomas Tuchel, witnessed an intense game with England having the better chances. James McAtee (14th/19th) missed twice from good positions. Nagelsmann was in the stadium for the first time; his absence from the German team's first five matches had also drawn criticism.

Watching the final in the stands: DFB sports director Rudi Völler (left) and national coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Source: IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel

Shortly afterwards, Hutchinson added a second goal with a powerful left-footed shot, and a frustrated Woltemade began to complain loudly for the first time. Despite his height of 1.98 m and the many crosses, the newly capped international barely made an impact. Weiper, also tall at 1.92 m, did better, providing new hope with a header following a cross from club colleague Nebel.

After the break, an open exchange of blows ensued. Nebel, now in the lead, equalized from distance – and even had the chance to win the game in injury time when a shot hit the crossbar (90+3). Instead, Rowe, who had just been substituted on, put England back in the lead. Merlin Röhl (120+1) also hit the crossbar.

RND/SID