Young Lions on 'unbelievable' EURO final

Speaking in a new England Original documentary – ‘Back to Back’ – telling the story of England’s triumph in Slovakia last summer, Harvey Elliott relived the ‘unbelievable’ final against Germany, which Lee Carsley’s side won 3-2 after extra time.

The documentary is now available to watch via the England app with England+ members getting exclusive access to view first.

“We just need to enjoy these moments,” said Elliott. “Enjoy the hard work, the fight. It’s an unbelievable feeling. I think all the lads felt that.

“It comes like a brotherhood. We’re all looking out for each other; we all want the best for each other and we all want to win and work as hard as we can for each other and that moment there just summed it all up.”

Carsley’s team dug deep after going 2-0 up against Germany in the final – courtesy of goals from Elliott and Omari Hutchinson – only for their opponents to draw level in the second half.

However, the Young Lions triumphed during 30 minutes of additional time as Jonathan Rowe netted the winner.

“As soon as I walk on to the pitch, I feel like it’s a completely different side of myself – a side that’s ready for war,” continued Elliott.

“When you’re together as a team, it’s hard to beat you,” explained Tyler Morton. “That’s what we showed at the end of the game when we were fighting for each other and trying to win every second ball, every header.”

And England made it back-to-back European titles, having won the tournament under head coach Carsley back in 2023.

And it was a trophy that meant so much more to the squad.

“Knowing how it feels to be a winner of a trophy is such an amazing thing,” added Morton. “There’s no better feeling celebrating with your loved ones and the people you’ve been through it with.”

“Five or six years ago, I was at Exeter, so for this to come around in my career so early on and to be involved with some of these players is a real dream come true for me,” explained Jay Stansfield.

England men’s under-21s continue their qualification campaign for the next edition of the tournament in 2027 next month.

The Young Lions host Kazakhstan at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium on Friday 25 September (7.30pm BST), with tickets available to purchase here.