England Under-21s are brimming with belief ahead of their European Championship final clash against Germany on Saturday. The mood within the squad is buoyant, shaped by strong performances and the confident leadership of head coach Lee Carsley, whose typically understated demeanour has masked a steely sense of assurance. After losing narrowly to Germany in the final group match a result that sent both sides to the quarter-finals Carsley had jokingly told the German manager they would meet again in the final. That prediction has now come to pass.
England have reached this stage following impressive victories over Spain and the Netherlands. Now they are eyeing revenge against a German side that remains unbeaten in 20 matches. Much of Germany’s threat lies in their talismanic striker Nick Woltemade, who is set to join Bayern Munich after the tournament. Carsley will need a carefully crafted strategy to contain the towering forward, who did not feature in the earlier group meeting.
Despite the high stakes, Carsley has encouraged his players to express themselves with freedom. He believes the group is capable of rising to the occasion and has praised their energy and fearlessness. Midfielder James McAtee, the team captain, highlighted the trust and confidence Carsley instils, saying it empowers the players to perform at their best without fear.
While this will be the third time England and Germany meet in a U21 final England having won in 1982 and lost in 2009 the context of this matchup feels different. The 2009 German side went on to supply several key senior internationals, but recent history has shown that U21 success doesn’t always guarantee a leap to senior stardom. However, England’s 2023 title-winning squad has already produced senior internationals, underlining the tournament’s role in shaping future stars.
Germany will be missing defender Max Rosenfelder through injury, but their squad remains formidable. Woltemade, whose move to Bayern was reportedly greenlit following a video call with manager Vincent Kompany, insists his focus is solely on securing the title. For both teams, the final represents not only a shot at silverware but a proving ground for the next generation.
Carsley, already confirmed to lead the U21s into the 2027 edition, sees long-term value in England’s continued presence in latter-stage matches. Whether he returns to the senior setup in the future remains to be seen, but another trophy would certainly boost his credentials.
