Follow all the latest news and developments as England take on Spain in a quarter-final match of the European U21 Championship in Trnava. Lee Carsley’s Young Lions aim to become the first English side to ever claim back-to-back European under-21 titles in their bid.
Early goals by James McAtee and Harvey Elliott gave them an advantage they held onto even with Javi Guerra’s well-executed second-half penalty kick.
| Team | Goals Scored | Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| England U-21 | 3 | James McAtee (10′), Harvey Elliott (15′), Elliot Anderson (90+4′ pen) (Sky Sports) |
| Spain U-21 | 1 | J. Guerra (39′ pen) (Sofascore) |
| Match Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | England U-21 3–1 Spain U-21 (englandfootball.com) |
| Half-Time | 2–1 to England U-21 |
| Attendance | Approx. 8,247 spectators |
| Discipline | R. Marín (Spain) – Red card 90+5′ |
James McAtee
James McAtee, commonly referred to as Jamesy McAtee, is an English professional footballer currently playing as a Right Wing for Nottingham Forest and England at youth level (he won the 2025 European Under-21 Championship as part of that team). McAtee joined Manchester City’s academy when he was 11 years old and quickly rose through their ranks before signing his first-team contract in February 2022 – which marked a proud milestone in his career.
This European Under-21 Championship quarter-final between Spain and England promised to be more than just another game of European Under-21 Championship football. Both nations boasted promising youngsters, giving both nations an opportunity to showcase themselves on the global stage. Under Lee Carsley’s tutelage, England had gone unbeaten through tournament play so far and wanted confirmation that they are one of Europe’s premier youth sides.
Spain were determined to avenge their 1-0 final loss against England and atone for their two 2-0 losses to Germany, and ultimately they finished top of Group A with seven points by winning all three matches; England ended up drawing with Slovakia but lost out against Slovenia in both of their first two outings.
Young stars on both teams provided exciting moments and high energy during this game, which resulted in thrilling moments and high energy action. Unfortunately, despite all of this pressure and fast pacing, both sides were unable to find an opening they needed and thus the match concluded goalless; these teams will now meet again in the semi-finals.
No one could forget James McAtee tearing through the middle of the park or Harvey Elliott showing his creativity; both players left an impactful legacy for England as they earned victory and left both clubs excited about what lies ahead for both clubs in future seasons.
FotMob allows you to gain more insight into James McAtee by visiting his player page, where you’ll find statistics and match-by-match ratings of every match in his career, along with his Shot Map which displays every shot taken throughout this season, along with expected goals (xG) data.
Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah anchors England’s defense from U16 through U21 levels. His Euro 2024 semifinal goal and 14 U21 caps showcase his leadership, while stats such as 68% duels won and five recoveries per game highlight his defensive strength. Quansah excels in possession-based teams where physical prowess meets technical finesse while remaining agile enough to complete lateral movements and make headed clearances; his Liverpool academy training began when he was five years old before going on to represent Young Lions at U16s, 17s 18s and 19s levels respectively. Born in Warrington before joining Liverpool academy at age five before representing Young Lions at MU16s, 17s 18s and 19s levels respectively.
He made his debut during a Carabao Cup win against Chelsea, but quickly established himself as an integral member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad. Due to his exceptional performances he earned himself a starting slot for Manchester United match as part of Champions League campaign – starting and scoring his first career goal during a 7-0 victory!
In 2024-25, Liverpool defender Jamie Milner quickly established himself as one of the premier league’s finest defenders. His prodigious efforts allowed them to return immediately to the top four and inspired Jurgen Klopp to call up Milner as part of England national team roster, leading him to make six appearances since.
Young defender Alfie Benning has captured many hearts since making his debut for Bolton Wanderers two seasons ago, including his manager who believes he possesses all of the traits to become an elite centre-back over time. He has an exceptional physicality and reading of the game; furthermore his composure under pressure has also impressed. Additionally he has demonstrated he can play in a high-pressing system, winning aerial battles while making quick recoveries when needed.
Quansah has proven himself an asset for the Reds, and his performance at the European Championship raised expectations even further. Now considered one of England’s starting lineup contenders for World Cup 2018, Quansah remains grounded off the pitch by prioritizing family life and personal development despite football’s demanding nature. Though not publicly discussing his relationship status or personal growth plans – instead drawing strength from family relationships.
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott has become a regular member of Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad since joining on loan from Aston Villa in September 2025, helping England win and then retain the European Championship twice within three years. While yet to earn senior caps – yet to receive his own cap! – Elliott has made an impression for Young Lions and may well get one by summer 2025! Until then he hopes to continue his development at Aston Villa having signed for them initially on loan earlier in 2025.
Elliott excels as a versatile midfielder who can operate both centrally and defensively, with excellent passing skills that enable his team-mates to connect quickly to him while creating from deep. An academy graduate, Elliott made rapid strides through the Reds ranks before being offered a long-term deal in July 2021 after an outstanding loan spell with Blackburn Rovers during 2020-21. After making his senior debut for Liverpool against Chelsea FC on February 20,22 after making an impression during a loan spell there he earned his debut appearance against Liverpool against Chelsea that April and went on to lift both Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup titles with them!
Elliott played an instrumental role in England Under-21 side that won European Championship in Slovakia in 2023-24 season and made 50 appearances for Young Lions (split between 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons) before helping retain trophy in 2024-25 by making 28 total club appearances (in both competitions and tournaments).
Many have likened 19-year-old Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal, and it would come as no surprise if the teenager followed in his footsteps. With an uncanny ability to play with the ball at his feet and find space even in tight areas, this teenager shows strong desire for improvement while showing natural leadership qualities. Although he possesses top class potential, additional hard work will need to be put in to realize it fully.
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson made his England U-21s debut against Spain in an important Euro 2025 qualifier matchup, where his style of play proved decisive – Spain used possession to dominate and control, while England had counterattacks to counter them quickly. Elliot Anderson scored a wonderful equalizing goal that turned the match in England’s favor and proved once again how crucial one moment can be in determining the result of any given match.
Both teams come into this quarter-final clash in good shape and hope to advance. The victor will advance to the semifinals, while those who lose will head home. England have an excellent chance of advancing due to their powerful lineup and experienced coach.
This match marks only the fifth competitive U21 encounter between England and Spain; their last meeting took place during Matchday 1 of 2009 Finals when Stuart Pearce’s side tied 1-1 on Matchday 1. Additionally, Spain have made five last-eight appearances at this tournament; winning two out of their previous four contests.
Santi Denia’s team won Group B with nine points, finishing ahead of Belgium by three. They won seven of ten qualifying matches while scoring 28 goals while conceding just five goals, and have never lost a knockout match throughout this tournament – most recently dominating all four matches against England.
The team boasts an abundance of talent in its ranks, including many players who have already won youth titles with their clubs. Furthermore, many have experience representing their national teams – providing an invaluable opportunity for these young athletes to advance their skills and earn a place at the next World Cup tournament.
Spain U-21 team features some of the finest young players from across their nation and is determined to reach the semi-finals at the European Under-21 Championship. This is an opportunity not to be wasted: Spain must utilize their creative abilities with the ball while working harder on defense.
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