England and Germany will renew their rivalry on the youth stage this Saturday in Bratislava, as they contest the final of the 2025 U21 Euros. Kick-off at Tehelne pole is set for 8pm, with both nations seeking to add another chapter to their impressive histories in this competition.
The Young Lions arrive in the final as holders, aiming to become the first team since Spain in 2013 to retain the U21 European title. Lee Carsley’s side have impressed throughout the tournament, showing a high degree of adaptability to improve as the competition has progressed. Most recently, Carsley's men edged the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final thanks to a Harvey Elliott double. Elliott’s form has been a standout feature; with four goals in the finals and 13 in 25 U21 appearances, he is now level with Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers on the all-time list, trailing only Eddie Nketiah.
England’s campaign has not been without its challenges, though. They finished second in Group B, having lost 2-1 to a Germany side featuring numerous changes in the group stage, but have since dispatched Spain and the Netherlands in the knockout rounds. Their only defeat in their last 12 U21 Euro matches came at the hands of Germany, a statistic they will be keen to address in the final. Omari Hutchinson has also impressed, leading all players in dribbles at the tournament, while Elliot Anderson has been a standout in the midfield.
Germany, meanwhile, have been the competition’s most consistent side. Antonio Di Salvo’s squad have won all five matches, scoring at least three goals in four of them and conceding just five overall. Their semi-final performance was particularly convincing, a 3-0 win over France that underlined their attacking threat and defensive discipline. Nick Woltemade has been the tournament’s standout player, involved in nine goals (six goals, three assists), the most ever recorded in a single U21 Euro edition. His combination play, chance creation and physical presence have made him an extremely difficult player to contain.
Germany’s route to the final has included a 2-1 win over England in the group stage, as well as victories over Slovenia, Czechia, Italy (after extra time) and France. Their shot conversion rate of 20.3% is the best in the tournament, and their ability to turn chances into goals has set them apart from the competition. This will be Germany’s sixth U21 final, and they are chasing a fourth title, having last lifted the trophy in 2021.
The bookies have this one neck and neck, but when you consider that Germany enter this game amidst a 20-game unbeaten run, and have already beaten England once in the tournament (while fielding a much-changed XI), it's hard not to deem them the slight favourites for this one.
England U21 1-2 Germany U21
