England’s Under-21s are the first European finalists after beating Israel 3-0 (1-0). In the evening, England’s final opponents between Spain and Ukraine will be determined.
The “Three Lions” won thanks to two goals from Morgan Gibbs-White (42nd) and Cole Palmer (63rd) on Wednesday (05.07.23) in the Batumi Arena hosted by Georgia. Gibbs-White missed a penalty early in the game. Cameron Archer put the final point (90th).
Israel under pressure after the break
The Young Lions were a little impressed by the unused penalty chance. As a result, the game was balanced. Shortly before the break it was Gibbs-White who made it 1-0 with a powerful header.
After the break, Israel came under more and more pressure. When Gibbs-White played the ball right into the box to Smith Rowe in the 63rd minute, goal number two was imminent: Rowe passed the ball across the box from the right. Palmer ran to the far post and slid the ball into the goal from a tight angle. The VAR checked and ruled out an irregular offside from Rowe.
Archer, who came on late as a substitute, marked the final score with a fine individual performance and secured entry into the final of the U-21 European Championship.