The champions of the previous two editions will clash to decide the 2025 U21 Euros winner.
Germany U21
Antonio Di Salvo’s side has won all five matches in the tournament so far, including a 2-1 victory in the final group stage match against England. This match marked the only occasion they did not score at least three goals, as they fielded an entire team of substitutes after securing a quarter-final place with comfortable wins over Slovenia and Czechia.
In the quarter-finals, Di Salvo’s team faced their toughest challenge when Italy forced extra time despite finishing with nine players. A superb strike from Merlin Röhl secured Germany U21's fifth semi-final appearance in the last six tournaments.
Wednesday’s match against France was anticipated to be a significant test, given the experience of France’s squad. However, early goals from Nelson Weiper and Nick Woltemade allowed Germany to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory, also marking their first clean sheet since the tournament's opening fixture.
Team News
Germany managed to contain France’s formidable attacking line despite the early injury of Max Rosenfelder after just 10 minutes of play. The Freiburg defender had a commendable tournament but will now be unavailable for the final. Tim Oermann, who will play next season at Sturm Graz on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, is set to replace him alongside another foreign-based defender, Bright Arrey-Mbi. Ansgar Knauff and Weiper will aim to retain their starting positions.
England U21
Knauff and Weiper also scored when Germany defeated England in the group stage. Although England did not mathematically secure a knockout spot, Lee Carsley’s team was aware that they faced little danger of an early exit during that match.
Carsley, who led England to victory in the U21 Euros in 2023, is looking to achieve back-to-back titles, a feat last accomplished by Foppe de Haan in 2007 with the Netherlands. Stefan Kuntz, a notable figure in English football, has won the title twice with Germany, alongside a defeat in the 2019 final. England won the title two years ago, defeating Spain in the final thanks to a goal from Curtis Jones.
Team News
Harvey Elliott, a Liverpool midfielder, played a crucial role in eliminating Spain in the quarter-finals with a vital goal and also contributed significantly with a brace in the semi-final against the Netherlands. His teammate, Jarell Quansah, is expected to join Leverkusen after the tournament concludes.
Confirmed Lineups
Germany U21: Atubolu; Collins, Oermann, Arrey-Mbi, Brown; Martel ©, Reitz, Nebel; Knauff, Woltemade, Weiper
England U21: Beadle; Livramento, Cresswell, Hinshelwood, Quansah; McAtee ©, Hutchinson, Anderson; Elliott, Stansfield, Scot
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